Spined micrathena
| Spined Micrathena | |
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| Species: | M. gracilis
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| Micrathena gracilis (Walckenaer, 1842)
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Micrathena gracilis is a spider in the family Araneidae (orb-weavers), commonly known as the Spined Micrathena. This spider spins a moderately large (can be 30 cm (11.81 in) or more across), very tightly coiled web, often in wooded or brushy areas. Some call it the "CD Spider" because its webs can make it appear that there are CDs hanging from the trees. It is completely harmless to humans.
Physical characteristics
The only web-building members of the species are the females. Females are 8-10 mm long. They exhibit a bulbous abdomen with a total of ten spines. Males exhibit a fair amount of sexual dimorphism. They tend to be around only half the size of the females. Also, they have fewer spines, a flatter abdomen, and a slightly lighter tone. Although males can produce silk, they mostly use it in the mating ritual, which frequently also proves fatal.
Life cycle
Micrathena gracilis hatches in the spring, the image of an adult. After the summer's growth, the female lays eggs in a sack. These remain relatively dormant through the winter months. The general life span is one year in length.
External links
- Spined Micrathenas (Fairfax County Public Schools site)
- Spined Micrathena - diagnostic photographs
- Spined Micrathena
- Pictures of M. gracilis
- Illinois State Museum's spider collection
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