Nephilengys papuana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nephilengys papuana |
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| N. papuana from northern Australia | |
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The Nephilengys papuana is a type of orb-weaver spider. These spiders are known for building large, strong webs that look like wheels.
This spider used to be considered a part of another species, Nephilengys malabarensis. But now, scientists know it is its own separate species.
Female Nephilengys papuana spiders are about 17 millimeters (mm) long. That's about the length of a small button! Male spiders are much smaller, less than 5 mm long.
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Reproduction
When male and female spiders mate, the male spiders sometimes lose a part of their body. This special behavior helps them transfer their sperm to the female. It also helps make sure their offspring are born. Scientists are still studying exactly how this works.
Name
The name papuana comes from Papua. This is a place where these spiders live.
Where They Live
You can find Nephilengys papuana spiders in New Guinea. They also live in the warm, tropical parts of Australia, especially in Queensland.
Images for kids
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A female Nephilengys papuana (center) and a much smaller male (right) in Cairns.
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Side view of a female spider in Cairns.
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Bottom view of a female spider in Cairns.
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A closer look at a male spider in Cairns.
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A female N. papuana with her egg sac and tiny spiderlings.
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