St Andrews Cross Spider

Argiope Spp.

Appearance

Image of Case St Andrews Cross (Argiope Spp.) | Rentokil Pest Control Australia
  • This St Andrews Cross spider has a body length of 1-1.5cm and has bands across its abdomen
  • It is famous for its zig-zag ribbons that form a full or partial cross through the centre of the web

Lifecycle

  • The female suspends its pear-shaped egg sac in a network of threads, often among leaves where the sac’s greenish silk disguises it
  • The lifespan is about twelve months

Habits

  • The St Andrews Cross spiders use thick zigzag bands of silk in their webs that may attract insect prey by reflecting ultra violet light
  • They make suspended, sticky, wheel – shaped orb webs. Webs are placed in low shrubby vegetation
  • Their prey includes flies, moths, butterflies, bugs, and bees. These are usually secured by silk wrapping into a neat parcel before being bitten
  • This spider is not considered to be harmful to humans