Cyclosa conica

(Pallas, 1772)

Conical Trashline Orbweaver

Cyclosa conica is a small -weaving known for constructing distinctive vertical webs decorated with debris. Females measure 5.3–7.5 mm in body length, while males are smaller at 3.6–4 mm. The is recognized by its unique of stringing dead bodies and other debris vertically through the center of its web, forming a 'trashline' or . The spider positions itself at the hub of this debris, relying on its cryptic coloration to blend in and avoid by . When disturbed, it feigns death as a secondary defense.

Cyclosa conica by (c) Don Loarie, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Cyclosa conica by Patrick0Moran at English Wikipedia. Used under a GFDL license.Common Spiders U.S. 428-9 Cyclosa conica by James Henry Emerton (1847 – 1931). Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cyclosa conica: //saɪˈkloʊsə ˈkɒnɪkə//

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Identification

Females of Cyclosa conica lack the pair of humps on the present in Cyclosa turbinata, a similar and widespread . Both may display a conical or abdominal projection, which can be pronounced or reduced. The trashline —composed of old , shed , and debris arranged vertically through the web center—is diagnostic for the Cyclosa and present in C. conica. The 's small size, cryptic coloration resembling bird droppings, and position at the web hub amid debris make visual difficult until movement occurs.

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Habitat

Open woodlands, shrubs in gardens and yards. Webs are typically constructed well above ground, often at or near human level, attached to vegetation in open or semi-open settings.

Distribution

Widespread across North America; records from Canada, Central Europe, and France.

Seasonality

reach maturity in spring.

Life Cycle

Mature males abandon web-building and wander in search of females. Mated females produce up to five sacs, concealed on twigs or beneath foliage.

Behavior

Constructs a vertical web with a central composed of debris and remains. Hides at the web hub among this debris, relying on for avoidance. When disturbed, feigns death (). The debris may function as a decoy, diverting predator attacks away from the .

Ecological Role

of small flying ; debris accumulation in webs may contribute to .

Human Relevance

Occasionally found near human dwellings in garden and yard . Not dangerously venomous to humans or pets.

Similar Taxa

  • Cyclosa turbinataOverlapping distribution and similar trashline web architecture; distinguished by presence of paired abdominal humps in C. turbinata females, which C. conica females lack.
  • Allocyclosa bifurcaAlso constructs trashline webs, but A. bifurca is restricted to southern Texas and Florida, typically builds webs close to the ground in prickly pear cactus, and has a forked () abdominal projection.

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