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Triangular Spider (Arkys lancearius)

Triangular spider belonging to the Arkyidae family is indigenous to different parts of Australia. They get their name because of their triangular or heart-shaped abdomen, giving them a unique appearance.

Triangular Spider

Scientific Classification

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

Size:  The males are 0.22 inches (5.5 mm) long, while the females being bigger have a length of (0.31 inches) 8 mm.

Color: Their color varies from yellow, orange, or red, with black and white jewel-like patterns on their abdomen.

Other Characteristic Features: The most prominent feature of this triangular spider, as mentioned above, is their heart or triangle-shaped abdomen. Its front legs are large and spiny, curved-forward, helping it to get hold of small insects with ease. The hind legs are comparatively shorter and smaller.

Eggs

Their egg sacs have a pinkish-cream color, with an 8mm diameter, covered in threads of light shades. Individual sacs possess 70 eggs, with each being 0.7mm (0.02 inches) in diameter.

Spiderlings

The spiderlings that hatch during early summer possess a triangle-shaped body from the beginning that gets longer after every mold.

The Web

They do not spin webs but wait for their prey, from their hidden den.

Triangular Spider Web

Are Triangular Spiders Venomous

They are not known to cause any harm to humans.

Quick Facts

DistributionDifferent parts of Australia including Brisbane, Queensland, and New South Wales
HabitatMostly in woodlands and eucalyptus forests, but may dwell in gardens upon shrubs, under leaves or on grasses
DietInsects, particularly flies
LifespanApproximately 1 -2 years

Did You Know

  • Because of their small eyes, these spiders do not have sharp eyesight.

Image Source: Brisbaneinsects.com, Live.staticflickr.com

Triangular spider belonging to the Arkyidae family is indigenous to different parts of Australia. They get their name because of their triangular or heart-shaped abdomen, giving them a unique appearance.

Triangular Spider

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

Size:  The males are 0.22 inches (5.5 mm) long, while the females being bigger have a length of (0.31 inches) 8 mm.

Color: Their color varies from yellow, orange, or red, with black and white jewel-like patterns on their abdomen.

Other Characteristic Features: The most prominent feature of this triangular spider, as mentioned above, is their heart or triangle-shaped abdomen. Its front legs are large and spiny, curved-forward, helping it to get hold of small insects with ease. The hind legs are comparatively shorter and smaller.

Eggs

Their egg sacs have a pinkish-cream color, with an 8mm diameter, covered in threads of light shades. Individual sacs possess 70 eggs, with each being 0.7mm (0.02 inches) in diameter.

Spiderlings

The spiderlings that hatch during early summer possess a triangle-shaped body from the beginning that gets longer after every mold.

The Web

They do not spin webs but wait for their prey, from their hidden den.

Triangular Spider Web

Are Triangular Spiders Venomous

They are not known to cause any harm to humans.

Quick Facts

DistributionDifferent parts of Australia including Brisbane, Queensland, and New South Wales
HabitatMostly in woodlands and eucalyptus forests, but may dwell in gardens upon shrubs, under leaves or on grasses
DietInsects, particularly flies
LifespanApproximately 1 -2 years

Did You Know

  • Because of their small eyes, these spiders do not have sharp eyesight.

Image Source: Brisbaneinsects.com, Live.staticflickr.com

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