Araneus bicentenarius

(McCook, 1888)

Giant Lichen Orbweaver

Araneus bicentenarius, commonly known as the giant lichen orbweaver, is a large -weaving in the Araneidae. It occurs in eastern North America, where it constructs notably large webs. Unlike most Araneus , typically position themselves at the edge of the web rather than hanging upside down in the center.

Araneus bicentenarius by (c) John P Friel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by John P Friel. Used under a CC-BY license.Araneus bicentenarius 84400223 by Annika Lindqvist. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.Araneus bicentenarius 83613403 by Annika Lindqvist. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Araneus bicentenarius: /aˈɾaneʊs bɪˌsɛntəˈneɪərɪəs/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Araneus by its large size and distinctive behavioral trait of resting at the web edge rather than the hub. The specific epithet refers to the 1888 centennial of the U.S. Constitution. Lichen-like coloration provides against tree bark where webs are often constructed.

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Distribution

Eastern United States and southeastern Canada. Records include Vermont and other eastern states.

Behavior

Constructs large webs up to 8 feet in diameter. Unlike that typically hang upside down in the web center, this spends most of its time at the web edge. This positioning represents a notable behavioral divergence within the .

Similar Taxa

  • Araneus marmoreusBoth are large, colorful Araneus orbweavers with variable patterning, but A. marmoreus typically rests in the web center and shows more extreme color .
  • Araneus diadematusSimilar -weaving and , but A. diadematus is smaller, has a characteristic cross-shaped abdominal pattern, and occupies the web center.

More Details

Etymology

The specific epithet 'bicentenarius' commemorates the bicentennial of the United States Constitution in 1888, the year the was described by McCook.

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Sources and further reading