Trashline-orb-weaver
Guides
Allocyclosa bifurca
Bifurcate Trashline Orbweaver, Forked-tail Trashline Orbweaver
Allocyclosa bifurca is a small orb-weaving spider and the sole species in its genus. Adult females measure 5.1–8.5 mm in body length and are silvery or white in color. The species is distinguished by a forked (bifurcate) projection at the rear of the abdomen—two humps shaped like the letter 'M'—giving it the Latin name meaning 'two-forked.' This is the only Cyclosa-like species north of Mexico with this forked tail structure. The spider exhibits remarkable camouflage behavior, arranging debris and egg sacs in a vertical line through its web to masquerade as bird droppings. Unusually, males are rarely observed, and females possess vestigial external genitalia with no external opening, suggesting possible parthenogenic reproduction. The species is also notable as a host for parasitic wasps that chemically manipulate its web-building behavior.
Cyclosa caroli
Cyclosa caroli is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. It is found in the United States and ranges from the Caribbean Sea to Bolivia. As a member of the genus Cyclosa, it is a trashline orb weaver that incorporates debris into its web architecture. The species was described by Hentz in 1850.