Golden Orb Weaver

Spider Resources Orb Weavers: Araneidae Nephila clavipes Types of Spiders

Golden Orb Weaver is the general name given to a genus of spiders (Nephila) in the Nephilidae family.

They are mostly a tropical and subtropical group of spiders characterized by their long, thin abdomens and long thin legs. Females are often colorful and considerably larger than males

Nephila spin the largest webs of all orb weaving spiders, and the webs are a golden color, hence the name Golden Orb Weaver.

Only one Golden Orb Weaver, Nephila clavipes, is found in the United States.

The picture shows Nephila Pilipes, from Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia (thanks to KS of the UK). It can grow six inches long (including the legs) and can catch small birds and bats in its large web.

© 2009 Patricia A. Michaels