This one might not be for those who are apprehensive about the ‘creepy crawlies’ of the bush…
Even though they aren’t often the recipients of much attention, certain species of arthropods (the phylum of animals that are invertebrates and have jointed legs and a segmented exoskeleton) are some of the most interesting of the lot.
Not only are they interesting, but for the most part they play very important roles in the wellbeing of ecosystems. Over many years animals have adapted in unique ways in order to survive; one of the more noteworthy species for me is the Golden Orb-web spider, also known as the banded legged nephilia.
Spiders are able to effectively move around their web without sticking to it. Many do this by hanging on their webs; others’ feet (tarsi) are claw-like in nature and have stiff bristles which are kept clean and the strands are held between these bristles allowing them to move freely; and lastly many walk along the non-viscid (or non-sticky) strands
Nearly as impressive as the size of the spider itself, is its web.
Webs are constructed with silk, which is produced by silk glands present in all spiders. Interesting to note is that this silk contains antibacterial properties and is also incredibly strong, the breaking strain of which has been suggested to have a greater breaking strength to diameter ratio than steel! For this reason, it is not uncommon to find small birds entangled in the webs of Golden Orb-web spiders. This specific spider is a member of the nephilia genus of arachnids (arthropods with 8 legs and two body divisions), and are well known for creating large, neatly woven webs. It is usually after a few months of rain that we start seeing small insects emerge in larger numbers and in turn, so too the spiders that eat them. After already having 650mm of rain this rainy season (100mm more than our annual average rainfall!) the webs of these spiders that sometimes span across roads have been seen a plenty and nestled up in the webs lie these not-so-little spiders. It is hard to miss these webs due to the beautiful golden hue of the silk strands and the neatly arranged central area of the web.
The large amount of rainfall that we have been blessed with this season has brought with it an abundance of life as well as a Sand river in full flow, bursting its banks
This species of spider is able to manipulate the concentration of this golden colour in their webs and they control this in order to find the right balance between attracting certain prey species and avoiding their web being detected. It is theorised that this golden colour is likely to attract bees that might be drawn to the visible yellows reflected in the sunlight (similar in colour to the pollen from flowers), and in the shadows it blends more effectively blends into the surrounding vegetation, remaining undetected by other insects passing through.
A female Golden Orb-Web spider feeding on a bee that was likely lured towards the golden-yellow colour of the web
Upon discovering one of these webs, it is almost always worth getting out and having a closer look at the creator itself. The female, being much larger in size than the male (usually between 5-10 times) usually remains facing head down in the middle of the web, whilst the male sits on the outskirts – mainly in an attempt to avoid being eaten by her! Not only do the females feed on small insects that get caught in the webs, they will also eat the males if presented with the opportunity. This makes mating an interesting affair and the males have to be cautious when attempting to reproduce.
Rangers James Souchon and Pete Thorpe admiring a Garden Orb-Web spider – another impressive species that is a close relative to the golden orb-web
Although very intimidating at first glance, golden orb-web spiders are harmless to humans and aren’t known to be aggressive unless they are provoked.
The colours of the bush are dominated by various tones of green at the moment, but if you look hard enough between shrubs and bushes you might very well spot the golden glow of an individual’s web. Now you know just a little bit more about the creature that created it!
do you know that a cape has been made of the cobweb of the golden orb ?
Even a bullet proove vest has been made , but that with some manipulations of the web .
They are beautiful , but I’m very glad they stay mainly in their web 🙂
I had read about the bullet proof vest, but not a cape. Thats amazing! Biomimicry is an incredibly interesting field and if only we could harness some of the efficiencies that have been unveiled to us in nature, the world would be a better, more sustainable home for all!
Robert, I loved all the photos🤗
An amazing creation of Nature and informative and interesting too. I will never like any kind of spider or other Creepy Crawlies … except for the Lady Bug and the Praying Mantis ….The Lady Bug is sweet and darling and the Praying Mantis that I find in my garden and looking at me from my windows sometimes looks other worldly and if I am correct the females also enjoy a meal of the male as well ….wicked ….are sending a message???? LOL LOL…thanks for the blog .. as always spectacular scenery and tales from the wild.
Thats correct, certain species of praying mantises have been recorded to practice cannibalism during /after mating too. I’m glad you enjoyed the read!
Very interesting creatures. Thanks for your insight.
You’re welcome William, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Golden orb weavers have invaded one of the National Parks in South Carolina. They aren’t native, but have been around since the 1860’s (or so). We saw them on a kayaking tip through that park. They are both incredibly beautiful and a little terrifying due to the sheer number of them. The golden silk is a really interesting adaptation.
I wasn’t aware of that, thank you for sharing Chelsea!
Very interesting Robert, thanks! Great post
You’re welcome Francesca, I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
Fascinating blog Robert about one of the larger creepy crawlers. To see a perfectly constructed web by one of these spiders is awesome, but even better when there’s a spider in it with its prey. Nice photo James!
Thank you, Denise
Wow! I really love this post. The one thing I really miss about SA is the bugs. I remember when living on the West Rand on the outskirts of Joburg in a scruffy little thatched rondavel, at night I would turn off all the inside lights and leave the stoep light on. After an hour or so I would take my camera out and photograph the bugs. So colourful, so varied and always captivating. More posts on the weird and wonderful little critters would be so amazing, please.
I’m glad you enjoyed the read Tracey! The little insects of the night never cease to amaze me either.
Very interesting story about the golden orb-web spider and the way she creates the web. Scarry though and I am not one for the creepy crawlers. The shape of her body is fascinating and those very long legs are very long. Loved the foto of the abundance of water in the sand river. Good for nature and all living beings, creatures, animals.
Very interesting. Great photos of the spiders and a very impressive one of the flooded rive.
Thank you, Christa!
Absolutely fascinating!
Thanks for the interesting insights into the Golden Orb spider.
You’re welcome, Jasper!
A great read Robert. I remember these well from my childhood but never knew how the female positioned herself on her web ! Have you ever witnessed them mating or, more grotesquely, the male being eaten by a female ? Poor chap….certainly no gratitude there for helping ensure the species survives!
If I’m honest I have only read about this behaviour in the relevant literature, but I hope to see it play our in real life soon!
Really cool post Robert.While unnerving when discovered unexpectedly, spiders are one of nature’s great fascinating creatures. Your blog was interesting and informative. Thanks!
Thank you, Paul
I am not a huge fan of spiders because of being scared of them, but wow! The Golden Orb-Web spider is really beautiful. Thank you for sharing this with us.
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed the read
Wow I am not a big fan of spiders because of my fright for them. But an Golden Orb – Web spider is really beautiful.