Araneus dimidiatus

Fact Box Species: Araneus dimidiatus (VF) Family: Araneidae Body length: female: 9 mm male: about 4 mm Habitat: This spider constructs a web that is an incomplete circle, being open at the top; a curled up dry leaf is suspended in shrubs by supporting threads and the fan-like main web radiates out from this leaf, in which the spider hides with only the tips of its legs visible Toxicity: This species may be slightly toxic but prefers to hide or drop to the ground when alarmed

Female from above Its retreat Oblique view

This is a moderately common spider thoughout the coastal bushlands of South-East Queensland and its habit of waiting in its leafy retreat with only the tips of its legs showing is similar to that of the much more common arameid species Phonognatha graeffei. The two are easily distinguished by differences in their genitalia, their surface markings, the more hirsute abdomen of Araneus dimidiatus and the fact that this species twists its leaf tighter than does Phonognatha graeffei.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Araneus albidus.