Plebs eburnus

Fact Box Species: Plebs eburnus (VF) (formerly Araneus eburnus) Family: Araneidae formerly Argiopidae Body length: female: 7 mm male: about 6 mm Habitat: This spider typically builds a small orb web between branches of shrubs; unlike the common larger Eriophora species it tends to remain in the web during the daylight hours rather than moving into a retreat soon after sunrise Toxicity: The venom of this species seems to be harmless to humans

View from above In its web Another female With egg sac Other females Another female Female underside The male

The colour patterns on the abdomen of this species are somewhat variable but the black 'shoulders' at the front of the abdomen and the scallops along each side are always present.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: The basic body shape and markings of a large number of Araneus/Eriophora species resemble those of this spider.