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Garden cross spider

Garden cross spider

Argiope pulchella

A species of Garden orbweb spinner

With a mastery of silk, garden cross spider weaves an intricate web distinguished by bold zigzag patterns, which scientists speculate may serve to deter predators or attract prey. Native to a range of environments, this skilled predator exhibits remarkable sexual dimorphism; the diminutive male approaches the considerably larger female with caution during mating season, guided by a complex set of behaviors evolved to avoid being mistaken for prey.

Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Bite Humans
Bite Humans
General Info About Garden cross spider
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Attributes of Garden cross spider
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
White
Habitat
The female spins an orb-shaped web out of silk. The male does not spin a web, instead it occupies the periphery of the female's web. This species is found naturally in forests, woodland glades and gardens. Other than these natural habitats, it is found abundantly in disturbed habitats like rubbish dumps, drains and sewage works. Juveniles tend to stay in a wider variety of habitats, where sub-adults and adults live primarily in garden areas and roadside drains and domestic sewage. It is an entomophagous predator that preys on a wide range of insects. The female builds a web with a zig-zag stabilimentum and positions itself head-down in the centre. If disturbed, it drops to the ground, returning to its original position when the disturbance passes. A male wishing to mate with the female employs certain courtship behaviours including vibrating the web. It has been shown that the female is more receptive to a male that "shudders" the web at high frequencies for long periods; such activities may also make it less likely that the male will be cannibalised after mating.
Adult Food Sources
Flying insects like flies, moths, bees, and wasps; other arthropods
Larva Food Source
Small insects such as aphids, mites, or small larvae
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Garden cross spider typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
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Species Status of Garden cross spider
Common
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Distribution Area of Garden cross spider
India, China, Java
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Interesting Facts About Garden cross spider
The garden cross spider constructs unique stabilimenta, or web decorations, which are dazzling UV-reflective silk patterns that play a role in prey attraction.
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Scientific Classification of Garden cross spider
Tips for Finding Garden cross spider
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Youth Habitat of Garden cross spider
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Garden cross spider
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Garden cross spider
Dry, relatively warm weather is suitable when searching for garden cross spider, as they are less active and their webs are less visible during rainy or very windy conditions.
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How and Where Can You Find Garden cross spider at Different Life Stages
Egg Garden cross spider egg sacs are often found attached to plants or structures near a web. Look for silken, rounded structures that may be camouflaged in the environment.
Juvenile Garden cross spider spiderlings disperse shortly after hatching and can be found near their hatching site. Spot them by looking for clusters of tiny spiders or by following their delicate silk lines.
Young garden cross spider can be found in smaller versions of the adult's web. Look closer to the ground in shrubs, tall grass, or near garden areas for their orb-shaped webs.
Adult Garden cross spider adults are typically found in the center of their large, wheel-shaped webs that are often built in open, sunny areas. Search for them in areas with abundant insect activity, gardens, or near structures where they may anchor their webs.
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Harmful Effects of Garden cross spider
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Toxic to Animals
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Bite Humans
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Toxic to Animals

Garden cross spider delivers its venom through fangs, primarily when bitten. Typically, its toxin is mild, and while it might cause discomfort in mammals like humans, dogs, and cats, the impact is generally not severe. Smaller animals, such as birds and insects, may experience more pronounced effects due to the toxic compounds, especially considering their smaller body masses. The venom of garden cross spider is utilized in both defense and predation, tailored to incapacitate smaller prey and deter larger threats.

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Bite Humans

Garden cross spider does not typically display biting behavior towards humans. Bites from garden cross spider are rare and primarily occur when these spiders feel threatened, often during unintentional contact. The bite typically results in mild symptoms, similar to a bee sting, without severe consequences for most individuals.

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