Webs and Wonders

**A Tale of Webs and Wonders: Spiny Backed Orb Weavers and Banana Spiders**

The fall season on Deerfield Island Park is marked by the eye-catching abundance of spiders and their webs. This time of the year, nature's intricate tapestry is woven with a diversity of species, each with its unique features and captivating behaviors. Among the myriad of fascinating creatures, two arachnids that often catch the eye are the Spiny Backed Orb Weavers and what most of us call, Banana Spiders (Golden Silk Orb Weavers). These spiders, although belonging to different families, share striking characteristics and have their own distinctive stories to tell.

**Appearance:**

The Spiny Backed Orb Weavers or Gasteracantha cancriformis, are renowned for their ornate, spiky abdomens adorned with a palette of vibrant colors. These curious appendages serve as a defense mechanism against potential predators, as they provide the illusion of being larger and more menacing than they actually are. Their delicate legs and compact size contribute to their unassuming appearance while perched at the center of their signature orb-shaped webs.

On the other hand, Banana Spiders, scientifically known as Nephila clavipes, are named for their banana-like elongated abdomens. These spiders are famed for their striking yellow and black coloration, which makes them stand out against the foliage in their natural habitat. Their large size and intricate patterns make them both impressive and intimidating to behold. It is one of the largest spiders in Florida, growing a leg span of up to 5 inches. The prominent groups of black hairs on their legs allow them to easily determine wind direction and speed, allowing them to more efficiently position and build webs.

**Webs and Hunting:**

Both are master weavers, constructing intricate webs to capture their prey. The orb webs are meticulously crafted and can sometimes be adorned with a prominent zig-zag pattern called a "stabilimentum," which is thought to serve multiple purposes, including camouflage and deterring larger animals from damaging the web. Typically, you'll notice Banana Spiders usually position their webs in sunny spots to maximize their chances of catching flying insects. Orb weavers spend large amount of time and energy taking down and reconstructing their webs daily to prevent dirty webs being easily noticed by potential prey.

**Habitat and Distribution:**

Spiny Backed Orb Weavers can be found in various parts of the world, including North and South America, Asia, and Africa. They prefer gardens, forests, and other vegetated areas where they can easily find insects for food. Banana Spiders, in contrast, are particularly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, including the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia. They often reside in forests, woodlands, and areas near water bodies where their large webs can be suspended between trees and bushes.

**Behavior and Diet:**

Both spiders are predominantly nocturnal, hunting during the night and resting in their silken retreats during the day. They primarily feed on insects that become ensnared in their webs. These meals provide the necessary sustenance for their growth, development, and reproductive processes.

In the vast realm of arachnids, the Spiny Backed Orb Weavers and Banana Spiders stand as testaments to the intricate beauty and adaptability of nature's creations. Their distinct appearances, web-weaving prowess, and captivating behaviors showcase the marvelous diversity that exists within the world of spiders. Both species remind us of the wonders that await those who take the time to observe and appreciate the smaller inhabitants of our natural world.

Submitted by: 

Katie Hendrickson, MS      10/23