Orb Weaver Spiders
Description
The orb weavers, or wheel spiders, include some of the most well known and commonly seen species. Their characteristic web shape, a vertical spoked spiral, is often what most people think of when they think of spiders.
Species
- Gasteracantha cancriformis (2 images)
Gasteracantha cancriformis
"Spiny Orb Weaver"
Description
This species can vary in color signifcantly. The legs and prosoma are always black, and quite small relative to the opisthosoma, giving this spider an appearance like an actor in a morph suit and costume. The large opisthosoma has six spikes around the edge and a symmetrical pattern of black spots across the dorsal surface, sometimes looking like a smiple smiley face icon. The surface can be white, to yellow, to red; the spikes can be black or red.
Notes
This species has many common names, such as Spiny-backed Orb Weaver, Smiley Face Spider, Crablike Orb Weaver, and variations of these. The taxonomic name indicates all of these - Gasteracantha means "thorned belly" while cancriformis means "crab-shaped". Note however that "crab spider" usually refers to an entirely different family, Thomisidae. G. cancriformis is widespread in the Americas.
Images of Spiny Orb Weaver
