The micrathena genus belongs to the family of orb-weaver spiders indigenous to different parts of America, including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Argentina, and Ecuador. The genus has about 119 species as per the existing records, with most of them being wood-dwelling.
Size: Most of the females of this genus are 0.31 to 0.39 inches (8 to 10 mm) long, while the males, slightly smaller, have a length of about (0.15 to 0.19 inches) 4 to 5 mm.
Color: Their color differs from one species to the other. For instance, the arrow-shaped micrathena is a combination of black, yellow and red, while the white micrathena has a blend of white and black.
Other Characteristic Features: One of the most common features of most micrathena spiders is the pointy or spiny projections on their abdomens, more prominent in females than in males.
They are small and round mostly laid by the female near its web on a leaf.
The majority of the spiders have a tightly coiled spiral or circular webs positioned vertically.
Majority of the spiders have a tightly coiled spiral or circular webs positioned in a vertical manner.
The spiders of the micrathena genus rarely bite, and their venom does not cause harm to humans.
| Distribution | Throughout America (eastern, southern, northern and central parts) |
| Habitat | Most of them dwell in woodlands and moist areas |
| Diet | Birds, flies, and other small insects |
| Lifespan | Approximately 1 -2 years (females live longer than males) |
Image Source: Carnegiemnh.org
The micrathena genus belongs to the family of orb-weaver spiders indigenous to different parts of America, including Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Argentina, and Ecuador. The genus has about 119 species as per the existing records, with most of them being wood-dwelling.
Size: Most of the females of this genus are 0.31 to 0.39 inches (8 to 10 mm) long, while the males, slightly smaller, have a length of about (0.15 to 0.19 inches) 4 to 5 mm.
Color: Their color differs from one species to the other. For instance, the arrow-shaped micrathena is a combination of black, yellow and red, while the white micrathena has a blend of white and black.
Other Characteristic Features: One of the most common features of most micrathena spiders is the pointy or spiny projections on their abdomens, more prominent in females than in males.
They are small and round mostly laid by the female near its web on a leaf.
The majority of the spiders have a tightly coiled spiral or circular webs positioned vertically.
Majority of the spiders have a tightly coiled spiral or circular webs positioned in a vertical manner.
The spiders of the micrathena genus rarely bite, and their venom does not cause harm to humans.
| Distribution | Throughout America (eastern, southern, northern and central parts) |
| Habitat | Most of them dwell in woodlands and moist areas |
| Diet | Birds, flies, and other small insects |
| Lifespan | Approximately 1 -2 years (females live longer than males) |
Image Source: Carnegiemnh.org
