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Micrathena

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.

Micrathena

Scientific Classification

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.

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 a tightly coiled spiral or circular webs positioned vertically.

The Web

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

Are Spiders of the Micrathena Genus Venomous

The spiders of the micrathena genus rarely bite, and their venom does not cause harm to humans.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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 a tightly coiled spiral or circular webs positioned vertically.

The Web

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

Are Spiders of the Micrathena Genus Venomous

The spiders of the micrathena genus rarely bite, and their venom does not cause harm to humans.

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)

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.

Image Source: Carnegiemnh.org

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