Home / Arkyidae Spiders / Triangular Spider (Arkys lancearius)

Triangular Spider (Arkys lancearius)

The triangular spider has a unique shape that sets it apart! Found in various parts of Australia, these spiders are part of the Arkyidae family. Their special triangular or heart-shaped abdomen gives them their name. Explore this post for more fascinating facts about them.

Scientific Classification

  • Genus: Arkys
  • Scientific name: Arkys lancearius

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.

Triangular Spider Size

  • 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.

Are Triangular Spiders Venomous?

Yes, triangular spiders have venom, like most spiders. However, their venom isn’t considered harmful to humans.

Can Triangular Spiders Bite?

Yes, they can bite if threatened or handled. But their bites are usually not severe and only cause minor discomfort..

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Triangular Spider

Triangular spiders play a pivotal role in their ecosystem by managing insect populations, such as flies. They exhibit ambush predation by waiting hidden for prey instead of catching it in a web.

Natural Predator: These spiders, despite their venomous defense, are preyed upon by birds and other larger predators, integrating them into the local food web.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: As natural pest controllers, triangular spiders help to maintain a balance by consuming insects, while their predators regulate their numbers, creating a balanced cycle in their woodland and forest habitats.

Relationship with Humans: Interactions between triangular spiders and humans are minimal, as they tend to reside in forests and occasionally in gardens. While they can bite, the bites are not harmful and result in only minor discomfort.

Arkys Lancearius

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.

In summary, the triangular spider is not only a creature of remarkable physical beauty but also an integral player in the ecological community.

Triangular Spider Picture

The triangular spider has a unique shape that sets it apart! Found in various parts of Australia, these spiders are part of the Arkyidae family. Their special triangular or heart-shaped abdomen gives them their name. Explore this post for more fascinating facts about them.

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.

Triangular Spider Size

  • 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.

Are Triangular Spiders Venomous?

Yes, triangular spiders have venom, like most spiders. However, their venom isn’t considered harmful to humans.

Can Triangular Spiders Bite?

Yes, they can bite if threatened or handled. But their bites are usually not severe and only cause minor discomfort..

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Triangular Spider

Triangular spiders play a pivotal role in their ecosystem by managing insect populations, such as flies. They exhibit ambush predation by waiting hidden for prey instead of catching it in a web.

Natural Predator: These spiders, despite their venomous defense, are preyed upon by birds and other larger predators, integrating them into the local food web.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: As natural pest controllers, triangular spiders help to maintain a balance by consuming insects, while their predators regulate their numbers, creating a balanced cycle in their woodland and forest habitats.

Relationship with Humans: Interactions between triangular spiders and humans are minimal, as they tend to reside in forests and occasionally in gardens. While they can bite, the bites are not harmful and result in only minor discomfort.

Arkys Lancearius

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.

In summary, the triangular spider is not only a creature of remarkable physical beauty but also an integral player in the ecological community.

Triangular Spider Picture