Northern (giant) golden orb weaver

Fact Box Species: Nephila pilipes (QM) formerly Nephila maculata Family: Nephilidae formerly Argiopidae then Tetragnathidae Body length: female: about 40 mm male: 5-6 mm Habitat: In the centre of a large orb web in green shrubs; the smaller male is often seen on the periphery of the web Toxicity: Unknown; not aggressive and probably harmless to humans but handle with caution

Underside of spider Another view Another view

This is perhaps the most colourful of the three Nephila species found in Queensland. Its legs are relatively longer and more slender than for the other two species. Other distinguishing features are the discrete patches of bright yellow on the undersides of many leg joints and the red colour of the palps.

Nephila pilipes is primarily a tropical spider but is occasionally found in rainforest areas of southern Queensland.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Nephila plumipes and Nephila edulis.