SPINYBACKED ORBWEAVER

SPINYBACKED ORBWEAVER
(Gasteracantha cancriformis)

Spiny orb-weaver is a common name for Gasteracantha, a genus of spiders. They are also commonly called Spiny-backed orb-weavers, due to the prominent spines on their abdomen. These spiders can reach sizes of up to 30mm in diameter (measured from spike to spike).

Although their shell is shaped like a crab shell with spikes, it is not to be confused with a crab spider.

It is one of the more colorful spiders in Florida. Although not as large as some of the other common orb weavers the combination of color, shape, and web characteristics make G. cancriformis one of the most conspicuous of spiders.

The colloquial name for this spider in parts of Florida is “crab spider”, although it is not related to any of the families of spiders commonly called crab spiders.

This spider is not considered harmful to humans although, like any wild critter, if handled it may bite or it’s spines may serve their purpose and give one a good stick. Bites are not considered dangerous in any way.

This image was captured in Jupiter, Florida
using a Canon 450D with an EFS 55-250mm lens
Focal Length 110mm
Exposure Time 1.125s
Aperture F5.0
ISO-200
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