Home > Genus

Spiny orb-weavers

Scientific name: Gasteracantha

Spiny orb-weavers

Scientific name: Gasteracantha

Photo By demihsu , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

Description

Distinctive for their hardened, spiny abdomens, members of the Gasteracantha genus offer a spectacular display of nature's architectural capabilities. These spiders, often misconstrued as dangerous due to their fearsome appearance, are in fact harmless to humans. Their bright colors and unique shapes serve as a deterrent to predators rather than a danger to us. Using their ornate abdomens, they weave intricate orb webs, which function not just as hunting grounds but also as a warning signage to avoid accidental destruction by larger animals.

Species of Spiny orb-weavers

Long horned spiny spider

Gasteracantha sauteri

Short-wing kite spider

Spiny orb-weaver spider

Oriental Spiny Orb-Weaver

Northern jewelled spider

Spinybacked Orbweaver

Long-winged kite spider

Black-and-white spiny spider

Parallel-spined spiny orbweaver

Hasselt's spiny spider

Learn More

Photo By demihsu , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

AI entomologist in your pocket

Scan QR code to download

Cookie Name	Source	Purpose	Lifespan
_ga	Google Analytics	These cookies are set because of our use of Google Analytics. They are used to collect information about your use of our application/website. The cookies collect specific information, such as your IP address, data related to your device and other information about your use of the application/website. Please note that the data processing is essentially carried out by Google LLC and Google may use your data collected by the cookies for own purposes, e.g. profiling and will combine it with other data such as your Google Account. For more information about how Google processes your data and Google’s approach to privacy as well as implemented safeguards for your data, please see here.	1 Year
_pta	PictureThis Analytics	We use these cookies to collect information about how you use our site, monitor site performance, and improve our site performance, our services, and your experience.	1 Year

Cookie Name	Source	Purpose	Lifespan
_fbp	Facebook Pixel	A conversion pixel tracking that we use for retargeting campaigns. Learn more here.	1 Year
_adj	Adjust	This cookie provides mobile analytics and attribution services that enable us to measure and analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns, certain events and actions within the Application. Learn more here.	1 Year