TaxonHub
Spiny Orb Weaver Spider

Spiny Orb Weaver Spider

Gasteracantha cancriformis

A distinctive spider species characterized by its unique hard, spiny exoskeleton and striking coloration, native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.

Image Gallery

Spiny Orb Weaver Spider
Spiny Orb Weaver Spider
Spiny Orb Weaver Spider
Spiny Orb Weaver Spider
Spiny Orb Weaver Spider
ADSENSE SLOT

Ecology & Habitat

Habitat

Forests, woodlands, gardens, and shrublands across tropical and subtropical zones in North and South America, typically found in vegetation-dense environments with ample web-building opportunities.

Ecological Role

Critical role in controlling insect populations, serving as both predator and prey in complex ecological food webs, contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem balance.

Morphology

  • SKIN COAT Hard, calcified exoskeleton with vibrant coloration, typically black with white or yellow markings, providing camouflage and potential predator deterrence
  • LIMBS WINGS Eight legs with intricate joint structures, specialized for web construction and prey capture, each leg approximately 20-25 mm in length
  • HEAD SENSORY Eight simple eyes arranged in two rows, high visual acuity for detecting prey and predators, sensitive sensory hairs for environmental perception
  • BODY STRUCTURE Robust, hard exoskeleton with prominent dorsal spines, approximately 10-15 mm in body length, featuring a distinctively flattened, almost crab-like body shape
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: English Wikipedia
ADSENSE VERTICAL

Related Species in Araneidae