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Gea theridioides

Fact Box Species: Gea theridioides (RM) Family: Araneidae formerly Argiopidae Body length: female: 6 mm male: 2.5 mm Habitat: In a small orb web Toxicity: Unknown; small and not aggressive

With stabilimentum Another view Underneath female

This spider is quite widely distributed but is not often noticed because of its small size and the fact that its webs are normally built close to the ground. Its transverse pattern of abdominal bronze and white stripes plus a dark triangle near the end of the abdomen make its identification comparatively easy.

The web is a small but otherwise typical orb web and may contain a small amount of stabilimentum as found in the web of the St Andrews Cross spider, Argiope keyserlingi. Because it has so much in common with members of the Argiope genus it may one day be returned to that genus.

Known Range: Gea theridioides is common in near-coastal bush and garden settings in Queensland and NSW.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Argiope keyserlingi and Argiope picta.