Leaf-curler

Fact Box Species: Phonognatha graeffei (QM) Family: Tetragnathidae Body length: female: 12 mm male: 6 mm Habitat: This spider constructs a web that is an incomplete circle, being open at the top; a curled up dry leaf is suspended in shrubs by supporting threads and the fan-like main web radiates out from this leaf, in which the spider hides with only the tips of its legs visible Toxicity: Unknown; small but otherwise potentially hazardous to humans

In its retreat Its web The male Another female

This is a very common spider thoughout South-East Queensland and is easily recognised because of its habit of waiting in its leafy retreat with only the tips of its legs showing. The bright yellow pattern on the upper surface of the abdomen is distinctive.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Araneus dimidiatus and Deliochus species.