Spined micrathena
Spined micrathena | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Arachnida |
Order: | Araneae |
Suborder: | Araneomorphae |
Family: | Araneidae |
Genus: | Micrathena |
Species: | M. gracilis |
Binomial name | |
Micrathena gracilis (Walckenaer, 1842) | |
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. It is completely harmless to humans.
Physical characteristics
![](../I/m/Micrathena_gracilis_web.jpg)
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.
![](../I/m/Spined_micrathena_bottom.jpg)
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
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Micrathena gracilis. |
- Spined Micrathenas (Fairfax County Public Schools site)
- Spined Micrathena - diagnostic photographs
- Spined Micrathena
- Pictures of M. gracilis
- Illinois State Museum's spider collection