Long-jawed Orb Weavers

Description

These orb weavers tend to have elongated bodies, legs, and chelicerae. In some species, these traits are much more evident than in others. Some are often seen pressed down flat with most of their legs stretched straight out in front of or behind them, looking not very much like a spider at first glance.

Species

Leucauge argyrobapta

"Mabel Orchard Orb Weaver"

Description

This orb weaver has a high, ovaloid opisthosoma which is yellow and white with dark stripes on the dorsal side. Legs are green with yellow joints. Copper-colored (sometimes red or yellow) chevron on ventral side can have metallic sheen.

Notes

This species is almost identical to L. venusta and requires microscopic examination of the genitalia for positive identification. In addition, there is some overlap in their ranges. However, a rule of thumb is that L. argyrobapta is expected when close to the Gulf Coast or in Florida, while L. venusta is seen futher north.

Images of Mabel Orchard Orb Weaver

Click to embiggen
Inverted mabel orchard orb weaver photographed in its web with a clear view of the ventral chevron.
Click to embiggen
Leucauge argyrobapta photographed out-of-focus to demonstrate the chevron's highly reflective coloration.
Click to embiggen
Resident L. argyrobapta seen from the side while resting in its web.
Click to embiggen
A (probably juvenile) mabel orchard orb weaver in a damaged web, its dorsal markings visible. Note the pale green color if its prosoma and legs.
Click to embiggen
Found in the mountains of North Carolina, this is probably Leucauge venusta, the orchard orb weaver, resting in its web. This specimen's legs are distinctly green.