The world is full of wonders, and among these wonders are tiny creatures that can prove to be quite fascinating. One such tiny creature is the spider with a bold white stripe on its back.
This spider, also known as the Spinybacked Orbweaver, belongs to the family of spiders known as Araneidae. It is scientifically known as Gasteracantha cancriformis and is commonly found in the southern regions of the United States, Central America, and South America.
The spider is not very big and usually measures no more than 5mm in length. However, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in appearance. The spider has a distinct bold white stripe that runs from its head to its abdomen, making it easily identifiable. The body of the spider is a bright yellow, and it has spines that protrude from its back, giving it an equally spiny appearance.
Despite its eye-catching appearance, the Spinybacked Orbweaver is not considered to be dangerous to humans. It is an orb weaver spider that creates its webs in low shrubs and bushes, and it feeds on small insects such as gnats and mosquitoes.
The spines on its back act as a protective shield against predators such as birds, and they also deter larger insects from attacking the spider. Additionally, the spines also help to reflect sunlight away and keep the spider cool during hot weather.
The Spinybacked Orbweaver has an interesting mating habit. The male builds a small web near the female’s web, and if he is successful in attracting her, they mate. The mating process is quite unusual because the male’s sperm is in a tiny package, which he inserts into the female’s body through his palps. The female then fertilizes her eggs with the sperm, and they eventually hatch into spiderlings.
In conclusion, the Spinybacked Orbweaver is a tiny spider with a bold white stripe on its back that is both fascinating and intriguing. It is not dangerous to humans and is, in fact, beneficial to the environment by helping to control the insect population. So the next time you come across this tiny spider, take a closer look and appreciate all the unique features it has to offer.