Golden Orb Weaver Araneus /
Eriophora sp.
The family is a large one, including over 2800 species in over 160 genera. New
species are still being discovered. Orb weavers (Araneidae) are often brightly
coloured with rounded abdomens, some with peculiarly angled humps or spines.
Orb weavers vary greatly in size, colour and shape and are often recognized for
building beautiful, large, round webs, to rest with their head pointing downward,
waiting for prey.
The webs consist of a number of radiating threads crossed by two spirals. The
inner spiral begins in the centre, winds outward, and is made of smooth threads
like the radiating threads. It covers only the central 1/3 of the web. The outer
spiral begins at the edges and winds inward. It is made of more elastic, sticky
threads, coated with a liquid substance.REF6
Orb weavers generally do not tear down their webs but continually repair them.
These spiders are generally harmless to humans. These spiders are capable of
capturing large moths and even tiny birds and bats. REF24
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