Micrathena sagittata

Micrathena sagittata
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Suborder: Araneomorphae
Family: Araneidae
Genus: Micrathena
Species: M. sagittata
Binomial name
Micrathena sagittata

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 (almost alluding to the iconic Pikachu of the well renown series, Pokémon (see picture)). 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.

Micrathena sagittata and web, Gadsden Co. Florida.

References

  1. ↑ 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.

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