Micrathena sagittata
Appearance
Micrathena sagittata | |
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M. sagittata, female | |
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Species: | M. sagittata
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Binomial name | |
Micrathena sagittata Walckenaer, 1842
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Micrathena sagittata, also known as the arrow-shaped micrathena[1] is a species of spider belonging to the family Araneidae. It is found in the eastern United States and throughout Central America.
This is a striking spider with a distinctive arrow-shaped abdomen which is largely yellow, with black depressions above and variable red and black patterning below. Males are up to 5 millimetres (0.20 in) in length (excluding legs), but females are much larger at around 9 millimetres (0.35 in). The males lack spines.
They leave a hole in the center of their web to assist in motion.
References
- ^ Arrow-shaped Micrathena-Retrieved 2015-04-03
General references
Preston-Mafham, Ken (1998). Spiders: Compact Study Guide and Identifier. Angus Books. ISBN 978-1-904594-93-2.[page needed]