Hawaiian Yellow Garden Spider

The female Argiope appensa, referred to here as the Hawaiian or yellow garden spider (though not native), can get close to three inches in length, though the males are commonly less than an inch, and mostly brown in color. Look for the pentagon-shaped abdomen and darker cephalothorax, eight eyes, and banded legs. They are known to be master web-casters, spinning orb webs made of sticky capture silk. Like other members of their genus, these spiders also weave in a zig-zag stabilimentum, a decorative pattern of non-capture silk, though the function of this pattern is a matter of debate. It may be a way of luring in prey, due to the UV reflectiveness of the silk; others believe it to be a defense mechanism, warning birds and others critters not to crash into their web. Either way, it is striking, and another key to identification, though it may not always be present. While all spiders have some venom used to stun their prey, these garden spiders have so little as to be considered non-venomous. So instead of getting that broom and knocking down this amazing feat of engineering, admire the craftsmanship and let them catch the cockroaches.

Видео Hawaiian Yellow Garden Spider автора Flower Friends