Araneus acuminatus

Fact Box Species: Araneus acuminatus (QM) (Note: Initially identified as Araneus poltyoides by Ramon Mascord this species may be part of a single species complex, which might explain the variable presence of spiky abdominal hair tufts) Family: Araneidae (formerly Argiopidae) Body length: female: 6 mm male: 3.5 mm Habitat: This species is thought to build a small orb web in shrubbery at night but then destroys the web at dawn Toxicity: The toxicity of the venom of this species is not known but it probably is too small and too timid to be able to seriously envenomate humans

Another view The same species? Spiky specimen Male and female Male ballooning Another female Two views Rear and underside

Known Range: Recorded as being in gardens and bush settings in Northern abd Eastern parts of Queensland, and probably also in Northern NSW.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Some other small araneid species that have a shield-like figure on the upper surface of the abdomen.