Fact Box Species: Argiope protensa (RM) Family: Araneidae formerly Argiopidae Body length: female: 11-15 mm male: probably about 4 mm Habitat: This spider builds a small and rather fragile circular web which is strung within stalks of tall grass or between leaves or branches of small shrubs. Like other Argiope species it builds a stabilimentum into its web but this is usually not the complete X shape and may sometimes be entirely absent. Toxicity: Not aggressive towards humans so probably harmless

Egg sacs Another female Underside of female Another female Another female Unusual markings A juvenile Other specimens

The colouring and markings of this species are quite different from those of the more common species, Argiope keyserlingi. The long, pointed abdomen is distinctive on many specimens but some individuals (perhaps especially immature ones) have a rounded rather that a pointed and slightly upturned abdominal ending. Until recently, the blunt-tailed specimens were thought to be a separate species which was named Argiope extensa but this is now considered to be just one of the shapes adopted by Argiope protensa. It is noteworthy that the egg sac for what was known as A. extensa is identical to that of A. protensa and resembles a small cup with a lid suspended in a meshwork of silken threads.

Known Range: Argiope protensa is found in bush and garden settings of most Australian States but perhaps not in Tasmania.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: None.