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.
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.
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.
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
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)
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.
A Micrathena spider is primarily identified by the pointy spines on its abdomen, which are more prominent on females. Females measure 8 to 10 mm, while males are smaller at 4 to 5 mm. Their color varies by species; for example, the Arrow-shaped Micrathena is black, yellow, and red.
Micrathena spiders are not considered dangerous to humans. Although they possess venom to subdue insect prey, it is not medically significant for people. A defensive bite is rare and typically feels like a minor pinch, causing no serious issues for most individuals who might be bitten by one.
A Micrathena spider builds a tightly coiled, spiral orb web that is characteristically positioned in a vertical orientation. These webs are constructed in woodland areas, often between trees or shrubs, to effectively intercept and capture the small flying insects that constitute their main source of food in their habitat.
Micrathena spiders show significant size differences between sexes. Adult females are the larger of the two, typically reaching a body length of 8 to 10 millimeters (0.31 to 0.39 inches). The much smaller adult males only grow to about 4 to 5 millimeters (0.15 to 0.19 inches) in length.
Micrathena spiders are commonly found in woodland habitats throughout the Americas, with a notable presence in countries like Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador. They thrive in forested environments that provide ample anchor points for their vertical orb webs, which they use to hunt for small insects within the understory.
Yes, a Micrathena spider can bite a person, but this behavior is strictly defensive and occurs only when the spider feels threatened or pressed against the skin. The bite is described as a minor pinch and is not medically significant, as their venom is adapted for subduing small insect prey.
Female Micrathena spiders have larger, more prominent spines on their abdomens primarily for defensive purposes. These sharp projections are thought to deter predators like birds and wasps, making the spider a more difficult and less appealing meal. The spines are less developed in the smaller, more mobile males.
Dr Richard J. Pearce (PhD) on June 2, 2020.
Spider Team
