Cyrtophora moluccensis

Fact Box Species: Cyrtophora moluccensis (RM) Family: Araneidae formerly Argiopidae Body length: female: 15 mm male: 4 mm Habitat: On a large web strung between tree branches; this web is extensive and three-dimensional and may appear tent-like so this species is also called a tent spider; sometimes individual webs are virtually continuous, making this species appear colonial Toxicity: The toxicity of this species is unknown although it is a very common species. It may have the potential to cause mild illness in humans but is not naturally aggressive so bitings by it are apparently quite rare

Side view In its web Its egg sac Holding web Juvenile markings Under female The male Another male

The colourful abdominal markings of this spider make it reasonably easy to recognize although immature specimens do look rather different from adults. The mature male is very differant from the female in appearance. This species is most common in eucalypt forests.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Araneus bradleyi (no images available), Eriophora transmarina and Nephila edulis