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Four-spined Jewel Spider - Gasteracantha quadrispinosa

FAMILY ARANEIDAE

This page contains pictures and information about Four-spined Jewel Spiders that we found in the Brisbane area, Queensland, Australia.

Body width 15mm
 
We found this spider once on Feb 2011 in Ford Road conservation Area where is a wet Eucalypt forest.
 
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The spider built a medium size orb web across the footpath. The web was vertical with small inclination. It was about two meter about ground and 1.5m in diameter. The spider was actively waiting for prey during the day.

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The spider has two spins on each side. It is bright orange yellow in colour with the spins from dark red to black. Its head and legs are mostly shiny black in colour.
 
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We went back the site the next week and found another three Four-spined Jewel Spiders. The patterns on its back were a little bit different.  
 
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Reference:
1. Four-spined jewel spider - The Find-a-spider Guide for Australian Spiders, by Ron Atkinson, 2009.
2. Spiders In Australia - Ramon Mascord, AMulavon publication from A.H. & A.W. Reed 1978, p 13.

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Last updated: March 03, 2011.