Asian spinybacked orbweaver facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Asian spinybacked orbweaver |
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| T. brevispina, female from Taiwan | |
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| T. brevispina, male from Japan | |
| Scientific classification |
The Thelacantha spider, also known as the Asian spinybacked orbweaver, is a type of orb-weaver spider. These spiders are known for building beautiful, round webs. There is only one known species in this group, called Thelacantha brevispina.
This spider was first described by A. W. M. van Hasselt in 1882. You can find it in many places around the world. It lives in Australia, Madagascar, and across southern Asia. This includes countries from India all the way to the Philippines and Japan. It has also traveled to Hawaii.
Scientists believe T. brevispina is closely related to spiders in the Gasteracantha group. For a short time in 1859, they were even thought to be the same. But in 1974, scientists confirmed that Thelacantha is its own unique group.
About the Asian Spinybacked Orbweaver
These spiders are quite small. Female Thelacantha brevispina spiders usually grow to be about 6 to 10 millimeters (about 0.2 to 0.4 inches) long. Males are even smaller, reaching only about 3 to 5 millimeters (about 0.1 to 0.2 inches).
One of the most interesting things about the females is their abdomen. It has six distinct spines that end in sharp points. Most females also have two large white spots on the top of their abdomen. The rest of their body often has a mix of black, brown, and white patterns.
Spider Names and History
Sometimes, scientists change the names of animals as they learn more about them. The Thelacantha brevispina spider has had a few different names over time. It was sometimes confused with another spider called Gasteracantha mammosa. That spider is now known as Gasteracantha cancriformis.
- Different looks of female ''Thelacantha brevispina'' from Japan
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Images for kids
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Large female T. brevispina from Hilo, Hawai'i ('Akaka Falls region)
See also
In Spanish: Thelacantha para niños
