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Gea theridioides (L. Koch, 1872) An Orb Weaver

This species has been found to have DNA no different to that of Argiope species and may get a name change (unpublished study, pers. comm. Framenau 2009). It is a small spider, more often with lighter and brighter abdominal banding, this one being very dark all over. It builds a small orb web low to the ground and is found all over Australia but rarely noticed. Small star shaped egg sacs are found in the vegetation nearby in February March (Mascord 1980). Like many Argiope spiders it tends to play dead when captured or quickly scampers away.

Female

Female 9mm (larger than Mascord recorded) male 7mm in low grass, smartweed, Lomandra and Carex just upstream of Walton Bridge.

Gea theridioides
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female, another specimen


Gea theridiodes

Male side on


Gea theridioides
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male facing


Gea theridioides

This male looks mature.

Sub-adult male


Gea theridioides
Photo: Robert Whyte

 

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