Arkys furcatus

Fact Box Species: Arkys furcatus (Identification source: see below) Previous species name: Arcchemorus species (RM) Family: Arkyidae formerly Araneidae Body length: female: 8 mm male: about 5 mm Habitat: This spider clings to green leaves and its bizarre appearance allows it to ambush insects Toxicity: Unknown, but probably lacks a potent venom and and is not aggressive to humans

Side view Another specimen Another specimen Leg spines

Originally considered to be an Archemorus species, this spider was first described in the following paper: Balogh P. (1978) "New Archemorus Species (Araneidae: Argyopidae)" Acta Zoologica Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae, XXIV, 1 - 25.

The most obvious visible characteristic of this small orb weaver is the presence of a distinctive yellow pattern on the upper front surface of the abdomen. The squared-off body shape and double pointed abdomen are also useful identifying features.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Arkys alatus.