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Cyclosa insulana (Costa, 1834)

Cyclosa is very diverse in Australia with at least 10 species, currently under revision. At this stage it is not possible to reliably identify Australian Cyclosa to species, with the exception of a few such as C. trilobata, C. bacilliformis, and C. bifida. C. trilobata is a temperate spider first described in New Zealand and not generally found in Queensland. C. insulana is widespread, from the Mediterranean to the Philippines and Australia and is usually the name put to a collection of spiders yet to be worked out.

Showing red on sides of abdomen

About 5mm body length, this one had a dramatic pattern flowing upward along the lobed abdomen to a stubby, elongated tail. The remainder of the adbdomen was a vivid red. At rest in its web it looks like a bit of debris.

Cyclosa sp
Photo: Robert Whyte

From above


Cyclosa sp
Photo: Robert Whyte

Web


Cyclosa species often produce webs that look ike this with a stabilmentum that spirals out in a circular fashion from the centre of the web, where the spider usually waits.

Cyclosa sp
Photo: Robert Whyte

Cyclosa closeup, side view - hairy


This closeup shows the hairs more obviously, while the preceding photos were of apparently less hairy specimens.

Cyclosa sp
Photo: Robert Whyte

From above, orange colour variation


Cyclosa sp
Photo: Robert Whyte

Insulana shape, colour variation from above, side


Cyclosa sp
Photo: Robert Whyte

Insulana shape, colour variation from above, from behind


Cyclosa sp
Photo: Robert Whyte

Another Cycosa from above


Cyclosa sp
Photo: Robert Whyte

Another Cycosa above from side


Cyclosa sp
Photo: Robert Whyte

Colourful specimen from side


Cyclosa sp
Photo: Robert Whyte

Colourful specimen from above


Cyclosa sp
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female, from above


Cyclosa insulana
Photo: Robert Whyte

Collected on the creek near the SOWN shed, Paten Park on 15 August 2009. Body length about 8mm.

Female, from side


Cyclosa insulana
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male from above


Collected on the creek near the SOWN shed, Paten Park on 15 August 2009. Body length about 6mm.

Cyclosa insulana
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male from side (hanging upside down)


Cyclosa insulana
Photo: Robert Whyte

Freshly moulted male


This male moulted while in captivity and may be adult in this photo.

Cyclosa insulana
Photo: Robert Whyte

Another male


Cyclosa insulana
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male


Cyclosa insulana
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male underneath 250111 Freshwater National Park


Cyclosa insulana
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male adult 230111 from side


Cyclosa insulana
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female in alcohol


Cyclosa insulana
Photo: Robert Whyte

 

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