Celaenia calotoides

Fact Box Species: Celaenia calotoides (identified from W.J. Rainbow's original description of this species) Family: Araneidae formerly Argiopidae Body length: female: 6 mm male: 3 mm Habitat: On surfaces of shrubs but usually at the end of its string of egg sacs which may be suspended from garden latticework Toxicity: Unknown but unlikely to cause illness in humans

At end of egg sacs Another female Side view Hanging from a leaf

This spider has the general shape and resting posture of several other araneid genera, its legs being drawn up against its body to make it very difficult to recognize as a spider. It spins a thin irregular web, especially around its egg sacs. It will sometimes be seen hanging from a leaf by just a few threads, presumably because it follows the practice of Ordgarius magnificus and other Celaenia species in feeding exclusively on moths which it attracts by secreting odours which mimic the moths' own pheromones.

Its egg sacs are brown papery spheres about 5 mm in diameter, joined together like a string of beads. They have a very prickly surface.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Celaenia distincta.