Araneus
Araneus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Araneae
- Infraorder: Araneomorphae
- Family: Araneidae
- Genus: Araneus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Araneus: //ˌæɹəˈniːəs//
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Images
Summary
The genus Araneus comprises a diverse group of orb-weaving spiders with approximately 650 species, well-known for their distinctive webs and sexual dimorphism.
Physical Characteristics
Sexual dimorphism is pronounced; males are usually 1/3 to 1/4 the size of females. In Araneus diadematus, females can reach 1 inch (2.5 cm) in body size while males seldom exceed 0.3 inches (1 cm). Males have elongated abdomens, longer legs, and cannot handle prey larger than themselves. Females have a long scape on the epigyne; males have hook-like terminal apophysis on pedipalps. Abdominal tubercles are present anterolaterally.
Identification Tips
Identification of Araneus species requires examination of carapace grooves. Araneus has angular or transverse grooves, which may appear as dimples, distinguishing them from Neoscona, which have longitudinal grooves.
Habitat
Commonly found in a variety of environments, often in gardens, forests, and grassy areas as they spin orb-shaped webs.
Distribution
Over 50 species are found in the US and Canada. Species distribution ranges across various states including AZ, CA, TX, AL, GA, FL, and more.
Diet
Araneus spiders are orb-weavers and primarily feed on insects captured in their webs.
Life Cycle
Life cycles typically include egg, juvenile, and adult stages, with females laying eggs in silk cases or sacs.
Reproduction
Mating involves males transferring sperm to females using their pedipalps; females may frequently bite and consume males after mating.
Predators
Predators include birds, larger arthropods, and other predatory insects.
Ecosystem Role
As predators, they help control insect populations, contributing to ecological balance.
Economic Impact
They may indirectly benefit agriculture by controlling pest populations but can also be undesirable in human dwellings due to web construction.
Health Concerns
Venoms vary in toxicity; bites are generally dry (8 out of 10 occasions), with females more likely to bite than males, who prefer fleeing.
Collecting Methods
- Sweep netting
- Hand collecting
- Using pitfall traps
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Freezing
- Pinning
Evolution
Historically misclassified under the genus Epeira, Araneus was revised to its current classification due to earlier publication.
Misconceptions
Many assume all orb-weavers are harmless; however, some may exhibit aggressive behaviors when threatened.
Tags
- spider
- orb-weaver
- Araneidae
- Araneus