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Phoroncidia species

Fact Box
Species:
Phoroncidia species (RM, QM)
(or a theridiid with a very similar appearance)
Previous species name:
None
Family:
Theridiidae
Body length:
female: 4 mm
male: about 2.5 mm
Habitat:
In the centre of a circular web supported by strong threads that bridge small branches of small garden shrubs
Toxicity:
Too small to cause illness in humans
Phoroncidia species
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Other views
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In its web
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The support strand
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Close-up view

This small species is common in small garden shrubs and when present is likely to be found in relatively large numbers.

Its web is essentially a circular wheel (similar to many araneids) with a single strong strand joining the centre of this to a branch. The female normally sits at the centre of the web and a string of rounded egg sacs and/or 'garbage' masses can be found along the strong strand. Other irregularly arranged threads also support the wheel.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: None.



Email Ron Atkinson for more information.    Last updated 13 December 2006.