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Nephilidae (golden orb-web spider family) Life
> Eukaryotes
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Opisthokonta >
Metazoa
(animals) > Bilateria > Ecdysozoa > Panarthropoda > Tritocerebra >
Arthropoda > Arachnomorpha > Cheliceriformes > Chelicerata > Euchelicerata
> Arachnida > Araneae
> Araneomorpha
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Nephila pilipes
fenestrata. [image N. Larsen ©] |
Leucage sp. (Silver
vlei spider). [image N. Larsen ©] |
This orb-weaving family
was previously included in the family Araneidae but was separated due to certain
morphological differences and the way in which they capture and consume their
prey and placed in the Tetragnathidae. Recently Clitaetra, Nephila,
Nephilengys and Leucage was placed in the reserected Nephilidae. The
4 genera are diurnal and ranges in length from 5-30 mm. They pose no threat to
man.
Genera indigenous to southern Africa
Clitaetra
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Nephila (golden orb-web
spiders)
Constructs huge webs from golden silk that are capable of catching not only
insects but also small birds. |
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Nephilengys
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Leucauge (silver marsh spider, silver vlei spider) A
diurnal spider, resembling a small version of Nephila
but has no tibial brushes on the legs. The cephalothorax (head and thorax)
and legs are a plastic green in appearance while the elongated abdomen is
silver with green infusions while some species have yellow and red markings
as well. Eight species of this pantropical genus are recorded from South
Africa. Leucauge is derived from Greek "leukos" means "white"). The
horizontal to vertically inclined (45%) web is situated amongst low
vegetation, usually about 500 mm or lower, often in association with damp
vlei seepages in all habitats. |
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Text by Norman Larsen ©. |
