Magnificent spider facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Magnificent spider |
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The Ordgarius magnificus, also known as the magnificent spider, is a special type of bolas spider. It belongs to the Araneidae family. This spider lives only in the forests along the east coast of Australia.
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Meet the Magnificent Spider
What Does It Look Like?
Female magnificent spiders can grow up to 14 millimeters (about half an inch) long. They are almost as wide as they are long. Males are much smaller, reaching only about 2 millimeters.
Females are creamy-white with pink and yellow spots on their bodies. They also have a crown of white and reddish bumps on their heads. These unique colors help them blend in with their surroundings.
Where Does It Live?
Magnificent spiders usually live in trees or tall bushes. They are rarely found less than 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) above the ground. If you want to find one, look for groups of large, brown egg sacs hanging among the leaves. The spider will usually be close by. During the day, it hides in a shelter made from rolled leaves and silk.
How It Hunts: The Bolas Method
Like all bolas spiders, the female magnificent spider has a unique way of hunting. It attracts male moths by releasing a special scent called a pheromone into the air. This scent acts like a perfume for moths.
When a moth gets close, the spider feels it coming. It has special hairs on its outstretched legs that can sense tiny vibrations. Once the moth is near enough, the spider swings a sticky ball, like a lasso, to catch its prey. This sticky ball is called a "bolas."
Reproduction and Life Cycle
The magnificent spider produces large egg sacs. Each egg sac can be up to 5 centimeters (about 2 inches) long. One female spider can make up to nine of these sacs in a single season. Each sac holds hundreds of eggs, helping to ensure many new spiders are born.
