Argiope bruennichi

Argiope bruennichi
Wasp spider
Argiope bruennichi
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Family: Araneidae
Genus: Argiope
Species: A. bruennichi
Binomial name
Argiope bruennichi
(Scopoli, 1772)
Synonyms

Aranea brünnichii
Aranea speciosa
Aranea senoculata (misident.)
Aranea fasciata
Aranea zebra
Aranea formosa
Aranea pulchra
Aranea caspia<br / Aranea phragmitis
Segestria pulchra
Miranda transalpina
Epeira speciosa
Nephila transalpina
Epeira fasciata
Nephila fasciata
Miranda zabonica
Argiope brünnichi
Argiope bruennichii
Several eggsacks
Female spider guarding eggsack

Argiope bruennichi, or the wasp spider, is a species of orb-web spider distributed throughout central Europe, Northern Europe, north Africa and parts of Asia. Like many other members of the genus Argiope, (including St Andrew's Cross spiders), it shows striking yellow and black markings on its abdomen.

The spider builds a spiral orb web at dawn or dusk, commonly in long grass a little above ground level, taking it approximately an hour. The prominent zigzag shape called the stabilimentum, or web decoration, featured at the centre of the orb is of uncertain function, though it may be to attract insects.

When a prey item is first caught in the web, Argiope bruennichi will quickly immobilise its prey by wrapping it in silk. The prey is then bitten and then injected with a paralysing venom and a protein dissolving enzyme.

The male of the species is much smaller than the female. It can often be seen in or near a female's web waiting for her to complete her final moult, at which time she reaches sexual maturity. At this time her chelicerae (jaws) will be soft for a short time and the male may mate with the female without the danger of being eaten.

During Summer 2006, research was carried out in the UK to find that there has been an influx of these spiders to the UK. The colour is still similar, although the yellow stripes are a bit more cream coloured.[citation needed]

This species of spider was featured in the Movie Eight Legged Freaks as the main species antagonists

There is one subspecies currently recognized:

  • Argiope bruennichi nigrofasciata Franganillo, 1910 (Portugal)

References

External links

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