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What is a Golden Orb Spider?

A. Delgado
A. Delgado

A golden orb spider, also known as a golden orb-weaver, is a member of the Nephila genus that spins golden webs. These spiders are found in several parts of the world, mainly in tropical and sub-tropical climates. They come in a variety of colors, patterns and sizes. Females are generally larger than the male spiders and tend to stay in the hub of their web. They remain on or near their webs throughout their lives, feeding on their prey and mating.

The range of the golden orb spider includes parts of Australia, Africa, Asia, South America, Central America and North America. They generally prefer open woodlands, forest trails and coastal shrublands, since these environments provide them with abundant prey and room to spin their webs. They avoid the denser parts of rain forests and old growth forests.

Golden Orb spiders seem to prefer spinning their webs near forest trails.
Golden Orb spiders seem to prefer spinning their webs near forest trails.

Golden orb spiders display a wide variety of colors, depending on individual species. The colors range from yellow or red to gray, black and brown. Some have markings on their dorsal sides or legs, such as a combination of black or brown and yellow stripes. Golden orb spiders have elongated bodies. Females are much larger than males, with some species measuring up to 2.5 inches (about 6 centimeters).

The golden orb spider is found primarily in tropical and sub-tropical climates.
The golden orb spider is found primarily in tropical and sub-tropical climates.

The web of the golden orb spider is unique among spider species due to its color and structure. They can stretch up to 6 feet (1.82 meters) across, are a bright golden yellow color and are thicker on the bottom half. The upper half near the top of the web, called the hub, is where the female waits for prey and male golden orb spiders for reproduction. They spend nearly all of their time on the web and rely on smaller spider species to rid the web of the debris.

Although most of the prey trapped in the golden orb spider's web consists of flies, moths and other insects, larger webs can sometimes catch small birds and bats. Golden orb spiders bite their prey before covering them in silk and carrying them to the top of the web to eat. Other spider species and some bird and insect species sometimes steal prey from the golden orb spider's web.

Male golden orb spiders remain on the outer edges of a female's web during the mating season and wait for a chance to reproduce. The female wraps her eggs in silk and takes them to a protected area. After about 30 days, the eggs hatch and the young stay in the egg sac until they molt. They generally leave the web about a month later.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Golden Orb Spider?

The Golden Orb Spider, known scientifically as Nephila, is a genus of arachnids renowned for their impressive web-spinning abilities. These spiders are named for the golden hue of their silk, which is used to create large and strong webs. They are typically found in warmer regions around the world and are known for their distinctive size and coloration.

How big do Golden Orb Spiders get?

Golden Orb Spiders can vary in size, but females are significantly larger than males. Female Golden Orb Spiders can have a body length of about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 centimeters), with a leg span reaching up to 6 inches (15 centimeters). Males are usually only a fraction of the size of females, often less than 0.4 inches (1 centimeter) in body length.

What is special about the silk of Golden Orb Spiders?

The silk of Golden Orb Spiders is extraordinary for its strength and color. It has a tensile strength comparable to that of steel and is highly elastic. The golden color of the silk is believed to attract insects and blend into the surrounding foliage, making it less visible to prey. This silk's unique properties have inspired research into biomimetic applications in materials science.

What do Golden Orb Spiders eat?

Golden Orb Spiders primarily feed on flying insects that become ensnared in their webs. Their diet typically includes flies, beetles, grasshoppers, and occasionally larger prey such as small birds or bats. The spider's strong web is crucial for capturing and holding these diverse prey items until the spider can consume them.

Are Golden Orb Spiders dangerous to humans?

Golden Orb Spiders are not considered dangerous to humans. They possess venom that is effective against their insect prey but is generally harmless to humans. Bites are rare and usually result only in mild symptoms such as localized pain or swelling. These spiders prefer to avoid contact with humans and will only bite if they feel threatened.

Where can Golden Orb Spiders be found?

Golden Orb Spiders are widely distributed in warm, tropical, and subtropical regions around the world. They are commonly found in countries such as Australia, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. These spiders thrive in a variety of habitats, including forests, gardens, and grasslands, where they can build their large webs in open spaces to catch prey.

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    • Golden Orb spiders seem to prefer spinning their webs near forest trails.
      By: Mark Rasmussen
      Golden Orb spiders seem to prefer spinning their webs near forest trails.
    • The golden orb spider is found primarily in tropical and sub-tropical climates.
      By: Dim154
      The golden orb spider is found primarily in tropical and sub-tropical climates.