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Argiope protensa

Fact Box
Species:
Argiope protensa (RM)
Family:
Araneidae
formerly Argiopidae
Body length:
female: 11-15 mm
male: probably about 4 mm
Habitat:
In a small web strung within stalks of tall grass or between branches of small shrubs
Toxicity:
Uncertain; probably harmless since this species has small fangs and shows no aggressive tendencies towards humans
Argiope protensa
Click to enlarge
Egg sacs

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. Like other Argiope species this spider builds a stabilimentum into its web but this is often not the complete X shape and may be almost entirely absent.

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.



Email Ron Atkinson for more information.    Last updated 23 January, 2006.