Zygiella

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Zygiella: /zaɪˈdʒiːlə/

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Summary

Zygiella is a genus of orb-weaving spiders characterized by unique webs with a missing sector. One notable species, Zygiella x-notata, is known for its adaptability to urban environments and complex mating behaviors.

Physical Characteristics

Adult female Zygiella x-notata has a body size of 5-11 mm in length, while adult males up to 7 mm. Females have a yellow-brown prosoma with a leaf-like mark on the opisthosoma, grey banded legs, and a silvery sheen on the abdomen due to guanine crystals beneath the skin. Males have a dark dorsal exterior with dark brown legs and a smaller, less marked abdomen.

Identification Tips

Recognizable by the characteristic leaf-like mark on the female's posterior opisthosoma and the unique missing sector in their webs.

Habitat

Common in areas inhabited by humans, including urban vegetation, on boats and docks, and along walls, fences, and window frames.

Distribution

Widespread in much of Britain, Western and Central Europe, and invasive in some coastal areas of the Americas.

Diet

Primarily feeds on flying insects, particularly Diptera, captured in its sticky orb web.

Life Cycle

Zygiella x-notata has an annual life cycle, with females laying eggs in late autumn and spiderlings emerging in mid-to-late spring. Females have a lifespan of approximately 5-7 months after reaching adulthood.

Reproduction

Females create egg sacs in late autumn. Males die shortly after mating. Females can store sperm for later fertilization, producing multiple egg sacs across their reproductive life.

Predators

Common predators include wasps, particularly Vespula germanica, which prey on smaller males and females during their reproductive period.

Ecosystem Role

As a spider species, Zygiella x-notata plays a role in controlling insect populations, particularly flying insects.

Tags

• Zygiella
• orb-weaver
• spiders
• Zygiella x-notata
• urban habitat