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Magnificent (bolas) spider

Fact Box
Species:
Ordgarius magnificus (QM)
Previous species name:
Dicrostichus magnificus (RM)
Family:
Araneidae
formerly Argiopidae
Body length:
female: 12 mm
male: 2 mm
Habitat:
In tall trees or under open roofs; the spider sometimes is in a small retreat made of leaves and does not make an insect-trapping web
Toxicity:
Unknown; may cause mild illness but is not considered a serious hazard to humans
Ordgarius magnificus
Click to enlarge
Swinging bolas
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With egg sac
Click to enlarge
With egg sac

The two yellow cones and red marbling on the dorsal surface of the abdomen of this spider are distinctive. Also very useful for identification purposes are the egg sacs. These are very large (about 5 cm long) and spindle-shaped, and hang in groups of about five.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Ordgarius furcatus.


Email Ron Atkinson for more information.    Last updated 22 November 2005.