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Cyrtophora moluccensis (Doleschall, 1857) Tent Spider)

Common in open woodland, parks and gardens in south east Queensland and coastal parts of Queensland, Northern Territory and northern Western Australia. The colourful abdominal markings of this large spider make it reasonably easy to recognize. Although it technically belongs to the orb-web spiders (family Araneidae), Cyrtophora moluccensis does not build an orb web. Its tent-like, highly complex non-sticky web is sometimes considered a precursor of the simplified orb-web. It has a distinct dome with a central peak where the spiders hide and threads above and and below the dome. The spiders often live in loose colonies where the webs may not be joined, but are often built very close each other. The spiders mostly hang in the bottom of the web, upside down. Egg sacs are strung above the dome. The male is much smaller than the female. ♀ 24mm ♂ 8mm

Female adult, in web, from behind

Cyrtophora moluccensis
Photo: Robert Whyte

Spider with web and central retreat


This handsome spider was photographed on Saturday, 19 January 2008 in a garden backing onto Fish Creek.

Cyrtophora moluccensis
Photo: Robert Whyte

Young adult female


This pretty Tent Spider has greenish yellow markings, which may turn brown later in its life or may be just a colour variation. Young female tent spIders are generally green and white, becoming black and white and hairier with age.

Cyrtophora moluccensis
Photo: Robert Whyte

Web


Cyrtophora moluccensis
Photo: Robert Whyte

Adult female, hanging in web, from side


Cyrtophora moluccensis
Photo: Robert Whyte

Adult female, hanging in web, from behind


Cyrtophora moluccensis
Photo: Robert Whyte

Youngish female on stick


Cyrtophora moluccensis
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male facing, closeup


Cyrtophora moluccensis
Photo: Robert Whyte

Male facing, wide


Cyrtophora moluccensis
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female adult Swan Bay North Stradbroke Island


Cyrtophora moluccensis
Photo: Robert Whyte

Female adult Swan Bay North Stradbroke Island


Cyrtophora moluccensis
Photo: Robert Whyte

 

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