Argiope protensa

Fact Box Species: Argiope protensa (RM) Family: Araneidae formerly Argiopidae Body length: female: 11-15 mm male: probably about 4 mm Habitat: This spider builds a small and rather fragile circularweb which is strung within stalks of tall grass or between leaves or branches of small shrubs. Like other Argiope species it builds a stabilimentum into its web but this is usually not the complete X shape and may sometimes be entirely absent. Toxicity: Not aggressive towards humans so probably harmless

Egg sacs Another female Underside of female With dark bands Another egg sac Another female Unusual markings A juvenile

The colouring and markings of this species are quite different from those of the more common species, Argiope keyserlingi. The long, pointed abdomen is distinctive.

The egg sac resembles a small cup with a lid, as is true for Argiope extensa.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance:Argiope extensa.