Zygiella x-notata

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Phonognathidae
Genus: Zygiella
Species: x-notata

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Zygiella x-notata: /zɪˈd͡ʒiː.ɛl.la ɛks nɒˈteɪ.tə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Zygiella x-notata f by Ian Pembroke. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Zygiella x-notata 85862445 by Alexis. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Zygiella x-notata 54937298 by bazwal. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Zygiella x-notata 85564562 by Shaun. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Zygiella x-notata 102498251 by username6. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Zygiella x-notata 95176121 by Loup BT. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Zygiella x-notata, known as the missing sector orb weaver, is a solitary orb-weaving spider notable for its unique web structure and urban habitat preferences. Found in Europe and some coastal regions of the Americas, it primarily preys on flying insects using its characteristic orb webs. The male spiders are more susceptible to predation due to their coloration and behaviors, while females are involved in complex mating systems and web construction strategies.

Physical Characteristics

Body length of female: 7.4-8.7 mm; Body length of male: 6-6.5 mm. Female has a leaf-like mark on her posterior opisthosoma and grey-banded legs with dark grey waves on the dorsal side. Males are darker with brown legs and cephalothorax.

Identification Tips

Adult females recognized by the leaf-like mark on the opisthosoma and distinctive grey banding; males are smaller with a dark exterior.

Habitat

Common in areas inhabited by humans, on buildings, boats, urban vegetation (bushes or shrubs), and cliffs in Britain and Europe.

Distribution

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

Diet

Primarily feeds on flying insects which are caught in the sticky spiral of its orb web. Mainly targets Diptera and other small insects.

Life Cycle

Annual life cycle with adults appearing from July to October. Males die after mating; females produce egg sacs in late autumn, with juveniles emerging in late spring.

Reproduction

Females produce egg sacs in autumn; males are choosy and engage in mate guarding. Females can store sperm for late spring reproduction.

Predators

Wasps, particularly Vespula germanica, pose a threat to both male and female Zygiella x-notata, with males being more vulnerable due to their behavior and coloration.

Ecosystem Role

As a predator of flying insects, Zygiella x-notata likely plays a role in controlling insect populations in its habitat.

Evolution

Considered a valid species in the Zygiella genus, suggesting a stable evolutionary history with adaptations to urban environments.