Cyrtophora moluccensis

Fact Box Species: Cyrtophora moluccensis (QM) Family: Araneidae formerly Argiopidae Body length: female: 15 mm male: 4 mm Habitat: On a large web strung between tree branches; this web is extensive and three-dimensional and may appear tent-like so this species is also called a tent spider; sometimes individual webs are virtually continuous, making this species appear colonial Toxicity: Unknown; may cause mild illness in humans but is not naturally aggressive

Side view In its web Its egg sac Holding web

The colourful abdominal markings of this spider make it reasonably easy to regognize. The male is significantly differant from the female in appearance. This species is most common in eucalypt forests.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Araneus bradleyi (no images available), Eriophora transmarina and Nephila edulis