Araneus praesignis Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Araneus praesignis

Scientific classification
Genus:	Araneus
Species:	praesignis

The Araneus praesignis is a special kind of orb-weaving spider. It lives in Queensland, Australia, and is quite common there. You can find it in places with lots of plants. There's also a record of it being seen in New South Wales. In 2015, someone even reported seeing it in China. This spider has big, black spots on its back end. These spots might make it look like it has eyes there. Because of its unique look, it's sometimes called the "Alien Butt Spider." This fun name was given to it in 2014 by Carly Brooke Martinetti. Its strange appearance and catchy name have made it famous online.

What Does the Alien Butt Spider Look Like?
Where Does the Alien Butt Spider Live and What Does It Do?
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What Does the Alien Butt Spider Look Like?

Both male and female Araneus praesignis spiders have unique markings. Males are about 5 mm long, and females are a bit bigger at 7 mm. They both have large, black patterns on their upper back part, called the abdomen.

These black patterns are thought to be a type of Batesian mimicry. This means the spider's markings make it look bigger or more dangerous than it really is. It's like a disguise to scare away predators. The spider was first described by a scientist named Ludwig Carl Christian Koch in 1872.

Where Does the Alien Butt Spider Live and What Does It Do?

The Araneus praesignis spider is mostly active at night. During the day, it hides in a special shelter. This shelter is made from a leaf that the spider pulls together with silk. It builds its web near this hiding spot when the sun goes down.

This spider eats night-flying insects and other small creatures without backbones. It is completely harmless to humans. You can even handle it without any medical problems. However, like with any animal, some people might have a mild allergic reaction.