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Micrathena

Ever heard of micrathena spiders? They’re a kind of orb-weaver spider found in places like Brazil, Peru, and even Ecuador. With around 119 different types, many of these spiders like to live in the woods.

Scientific Classification

Micrathena

Spiders Belonging to this Genus

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • 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.

Micrathena Size

  • 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.

Eggs

They are small and round mostly laid by the female near its web on a leaf.

Spiderlings

The majority of the spiders have tightly coiled spiral or circular webs positioned vertically.

The Web

The majority of the spiders have tightly coiled spiral or circular webs positioned in a vertical manner.

Micrathena Web

Are Micrathena Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Micrathena spiders do have venom. They use it mainly to catch their food, but it’s mostly safe for people.

Can Micrathena Spiders Bite?

Micrathena spiders can bite if they feel threatened. It’s similar to a little pinch and doesn’t usually cause problems for most individuals.

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Micrathena Spider

Micrathena spiders play a vital role in their ecosystems, helping to control the population of small insects and maintaining ecological balance. Their unique web-building skills and hunting strategies showcase their adaptability and contribution to their habitats.

Natural Predators and Prey-Predator Dynamics: Despite their venomous defense mechanism, micrathena spiders are not without predators. Birds and larger insects pose a threat, creating a delicate balance in the prey-predator dynamics of their environment.

Relationship with Humans: Generally, micrathena spiders and humans maintain a peaceful coexistence. Their preference for woodlands and moist areas means they rarely venture into human dwellings. When they do, their presence is mostly harmless, contributing to the biodiversity of their surroundings rather than posing any threat.

Quick Facts

DistributionThroughout America (eastern, southern,  northern and central parts)
HabitatMost of them dwell in woodlands and moist areas
DietBirds, flies, and other small insects
LifespanApproximately 1 -2 years (females live longer than males)

Micrathena Sagittata Spider

Did You Know

  • Carl Jakob Sundevall, a Swedish zoologist, first described this genus in 1833. 
  • Their name is a combination of “micro,” which means small in Greek. At the same time, “thena” refers to Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare, and handicraft.

In summary, Micrathena spiders stand as a testament to the incredible diversity and adaptability of orb-weaver spiders. 

Ever heard of micrathena spiders? They’re a kind of orb-weaver spider found in places like Brazil, Peru, and even Ecuador. With around 119 different types, many of these spiders like to live in the woods.

Micrathena

Spiders Belonging to this Genus

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

  • 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.

Micrathena Size

  • 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.

Eggs

They are small and round mostly laid by the female near its web on a leaf.

Spiderlings

The majority of the spiders have tightly coiled spiral or circular webs positioned vertically.

The Web

The majority of the spiders have tightly coiled spiral or circular webs positioned in a vertical manner.

Micrathena Web

Are Micrathena Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Micrathena spiders do have venom. They use it mainly to catch their food, but it’s mostly safe for people.

Can Micrathena Spiders Bite?

Micrathena spiders can bite if they feel threatened. It’s similar to a little pinch and doesn’t usually cause problems for most individuals.

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Micrathena Spider

Micrathena spiders play a vital role in their ecosystems, helping to control the population of small insects and maintaining ecological balance. Their unique web-building skills and hunting strategies showcase their adaptability and contribution to their habitats.

Natural Predators and Prey-Predator Dynamics: Despite their venomous defense mechanism, micrathena spiders are not without predators. Birds and larger insects pose a threat, creating a delicate balance in the prey-predator dynamics of their environment.

Relationship with Humans: Generally, micrathena spiders and humans maintain a peaceful coexistence. Their preference for woodlands and moist areas means they rarely venture into human dwellings. When they do, their presence is mostly harmless, contributing to the biodiversity of their surroundings rather than posing any threat.

Quick Facts

DistributionThroughout America (eastern, southern,  northern and central parts)
HabitatMost of them dwell in woodlands and moist areas
DietBirds, flies, and other small insects
LifespanApproximately 1 -2 years (females live longer than males)

Micrathena Sagittata Spider

Did You Know

  • Carl Jakob Sundevall, a Swedish zoologist, first described this genus in 1833. 
  • Their name is a combination of “micro,” which means small in Greek. At the same time, “thena” refers to Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare, and handicraft.

In summary, Micrathena spiders stand as a testament to the incredible diversity and adaptability of orb-weaver spiders.