Photo from Telegraph.co.uk
Golden orb weavers, known for spinning beautiful and strong golden webs, are well-known to each large insects and the occasional small bird, but pictures that surfaced recently of a golden orb weaver eating a finch in an Australian garden have taken locals by surprise.
The photo shows the golden orb weaver with its long legs wrapped around the finch (a Chestnut-breasted Mannikin). Experts have said that it’s likely that the golden orb weaver is using its venom to break down the bird for easier eating.
It’s speculated that the bird flew into the orb weaver’s strong web and became entangled. Because of the size difference, experts believe that the bird struggled for quite some time, and when it became weak, the golden orb weaver moved on the offensive.
About the Golden Orb Weaver
The golden silk orb-weavers (genus Nephila) are a genus of spiders noted for the impressive webs they weave. Nephila consists of numerous individual species found around the world. They are also commonly called golden orb-weavers, giant wood spiders or banana spiders. In North America, the golden silk orb-weavers (see also Nephila clavipes) are sometimes referred to as writing spiders due to occasional zigzag patterns (stabilimenta) built into their webs, though these occur much more frequently in the webs of Argiope, such as the St Andrew’s Cross spider.
Golden Orb Weaver
The name of the golden silk orb-weavers refers to the color of the spider silk, not the color of the spider itself. Yellow threads of their web shine like gold in sunlight. Xanthurenic acid, two quinones and an unknown fourth compound contribute to the yellow color. Experimental evidence suggests that the silk’s color may serve a dual purpose: sunlit webs ensnare bees that are attracted to the bright yellow strands, whereas in shady spots the yellow blends in with background foliage to act as a camouflage. The spider is able to adjust pigment intensity relative to background light levels and color; the range of spectral reflectance is specifically adapted to insect vision.
Golden Orb Weaver References
Golden Orb Weaver Eats Small Bird
Update: I find it immensely amusing that “golden orb weaver” references and photos are popping up all over the web as another example of a dangerous Australian species, when in fact, these spiders are actually quite common in many areas of the world, including the eastern United States. I’ve actually gone trail riding in early mornings and finished the ride with three or 4 “stowaways.”
