Have you ever seen a spider’s web that shines like gold? Meet the Golden Silk Orb-Weaver! With 23 different types living around the world, they’re known for their special golden webs. Some people call them Banana Spider or Calico Spider.
The females of the golden silk orb-weaver species lay their eggs in clusters during the fall. They are usually laid by the side of a building or structure, or in the trees near the place where the female has its web. Normally, it lays at least two large sacs each with a diameter of 25 to 30 mm, and containing a few hundred eggs.
Young spiders do not generally build yellow-colored silk. When approached by a predator, the young spiders can demonstrate the former’s vibrational motion. In such instances, the juveniles begin to oscillate their bodies at around 40 Hz. When attacked, they will either escape to a support strand in the web or jump out of the web after inducing oscillations that help in jumping.
Yes, Golden Silk Orb-Weaver spiders have venom. They use it to help grab their meals. But don’t worry, it’s usually not very harmful to people.
They can bite, but it’s pretty rare. If it happens, it might feel like a small pinch. It’s always best to be kind and gentle with our eight-legged friends!
Lifespan | The males die in 2-3 weeks after the final molt, while the females live for up to one month |
Distribution/Range | Found mostly in the SE parts of the US, Florida, the Gulf States, the northern part of North Carolina, and in South America’s Argentina, as well as some parts of Australia, Africa, and Asia |
Habitat | Tropical forests as well as close to human habitats and humanmade gardens |
Common predators | Lizards, birds, some mammals, etc., depending upon their region |
Diet | Carnivorous; several organisms ranging from small flies and beetles to larger cicadas, locusts, and even small birds, mammals, lizards, etc. |
Image Credit: Images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com, I.pinimg.com, Alpinetreepro.com, Bugguide.net, Lh3.ggpht.com
Have you ever seen a spider’s web that shines like gold? Meet the Golden Silk Orb-Weaver! With 23 different types living around the world, they’re known for their special golden webs. Some people call them Banana Spider or Calico Spider.
The females of the golden silk orb-weaver species lay their eggs in clusters during the fall. They are usually laid by the side of a building or structure, or in the trees near the place where the female has its web. Normally, it lays at least two large sacs each with a diameter of 25 to 30 mm, and containing a few hundred eggs.
Young spiders do not generally build yellow-colored silk. When approached by a predator, the young spiders can demonstrate the former’s vibrational motion. In such instances, the juveniles begin to oscillate their bodies at around 40 Hz. When attacked, they will either escape to a support strand in the web or jump out of the web after inducing oscillations that help in jumping.
Yes, Golden Silk Orb-Weaver spiders have venom. They use it to help grab their meals. But don’t worry, it’s usually not very harmful to people.
They can bite, but it’s pretty rare. If it happens, it might feel like a small pinch. It’s always best to be kind and gentle with our eight-legged friends!
Lifespan | The males die in 2-3 weeks after the final molt, while the females live for up to one month |
Distribution/Range | Found mostly in the SE parts of the US, Florida, the Gulf States, the northern part of North Carolina, and in South America’s Argentina, as well as some parts of Australia, Africa, and Asia |
Habitat | Tropical forests as well as close to human habitats and humanmade gardens |
Common predators | Lizards, birds, some mammals, etc., depending upon their region |
Diet | Carnivorous; several organisms ranging from small flies and beetles to larger cicadas, locusts, and even small birds, mammals, lizards, etc. |
Image Credit: Images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com, I.pinimg.com, Alpinetreepro.com, Bugguide.net, Lh3.ggpht.com