Gasteracantha versicolor

Gasteracantha versicolor, known as the long-winged kite spider, is a species of diurnal spiny orb-weaver of the family Araneidae. It is found in the tropics and sub-tropics, where it occurs in forests. It has an extensive range, from central, east and southern Africa to Madagascar.

Gasteracantha versicolor
Female of the nominate race in Burman Bush
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Araneidae
Genus: Gasteracantha
Species:
G. versicolor
Binomial name
Gasteracantha versicolor

The female is 8 to 10 mm long,[2] with a large, glossy and brightly coloured abdomen, like others of their genus.[3] The hardened (sclerotised) abdomen projects over the cephalothorax and has six peripheral spines,[3] with the lateral pair medium to long and slightly recurved in this species. Males are much smaller, less colourful and lack the thorny abdominal projections.[2]

The web has densely spaced radii and an open hub, and may be placed from near ground level to several meters up. Their venom is not known to be dangerous to man.[2]

A female in Krantzkloof ravine, sitting head down in the hub of the web
Spotted underside of abdomen

Races
  • G. v. avaratrae Emerit, 1974 – Madagascar
  • G. v. formosa Vinson, 1863 – Madagascar
  • G. v. versicolor (Walckenaer, 1841)[4] – mainland Africa

References
  1. "Taxon details Gasteracantha versicolor Walckenaer, 1841", World Spider Catalog, Natural History Museum Bern, retrieved 2016-04-28
  2. Leroy, Astri & John (2003). Spiders of Southern Africa. Cape Town: Struik. p. 64. ISBN 9781868729449.
  3. Larsen, Norman. "Gasteracanthus (kite spiders)". biodiversity explorer. iziko museums. Retrieved 20 December 2012.
  4. "Gasteracantha versicolor TSN 856948". ITIS. Retrieved 28 November 2013.
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