Eriophora biapicata
Family: Araneidae ID: Koch, 1871
Habitat and Biology
This is a large robust spider which builds a large, strongly
constructed orb web to catch its prey of mostly flying insects. The web is usually
constructed in the evenings and is sometimes unexpectedly encountered by humans.
The spider rests upside down in the centre of the web. At dawn the web is often
taken down. The spider then rests on nearby foliage with legs drawn in and is
well camouflaged. The eggs, which are laid by the female in late summer to autumn,
are encased in a fluffy silken cocoon and attached to foliage. The lifespan
of the garden orb-weaver is approximately twelve months. It is a widespread
species having been recorded from all states except Tasmania.
Colour
Male: Similar to female.
Female: Bases of legs bright red, rest of legs and
cephalothorax reddish brown with long white hairs. Abdomen brown, usually with
darker foliate pattern and sometimes with white spots or stripe.
Form
Typically with a triangular abdomen with two noticeable humps
towards front.
Body Length
Male: 18mm
Female: 22mm
Web type
Large, strongly constructed orb web.
Bite
The bite of the garden orb-weaver is not considered dangerous.
Symptoms may include localised mild pain and swelling, nausea and dizziness.