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Cyrtophora exanthematica Doleschall, 1859 Double Tailed Tent Spider

An orb weaver that builds a complex web strung between the branches of shrubs. Females to around 10mm body length, males much small, to about 6mm body length. Colour can vary considerably, mostly brownish. The two blunt projections at the rear end of the abdomen give this spider its common name. The female guards her egg sac. Many smaller spiders often occupy the web's periphery. A lot of debris is collected in the web, which the spider cleans periodically, usually at night. These spiders are very shy. When disturbed they hide In a retreat near the edge of the web or play dead. The female makes her egg sac (an olive-shaped silken ball) in her retreat. The offspring hatch in about two to three weeks. This is one of the more easily recognised Araneids.

Adult female

Cyrtophora exanthematica
Photo: Robert Whyte

Adult female, darker cephalothorax


Cyrtophora exanthematica
Photo: Robert Whyte

Red brown adult


This colour variation is much redder than the usual, which is normally more orange-brown.

Cyrtophora exanthematica
Photo: Robert Whyte

Dark brown adult


This darker brown version is another type, resulting from genetic or environmental differerences, or a combination of the two.

Cyrtophora exanthematica
Photo: Robert Whyte

Adult, showing underneath, with prey


The prey looks like a 28 spotted Ladybird Beetle. Note the spider's mouthparts and the epigynum.

Cyrtophora exanthematica
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male


Body length about 4.5mm collected 10-09-09 on the northern side of the junction of Fish and Enoggera Creeks, Walton Bridge Reserve, The Gap.

Cyrtophora exanthematica
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male, underneath


Cyrtophora exanthematica
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male from underneath, reddish


Cyrtophora exanthematica male
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male from above, reddish


Cyrtophora exanthematica male
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male closeup of palpal organs


Cyrtophora exanthematica male
Photo: Robert Whyte

 
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