Belongs to: spiders

Cucumber green spider Araniella cucurbitina

Also known as: green orb-weaver


Best time to see: Apr to mid Oct

Key facts

A small, predominantly lime-green spider that spins its web in tall vegetation and in shrubs to catch flying insects

Common in gardens as well as natural areas, but often overlooked because so well camouflaged

Recognition

Lime green abdomen with a red spot on the spinnerets

Females up to 8mm; males up to 5mm

Lifecycle

The female builds a small, neat orb-web in a bush or tall vegetation, catching and feeding on flying insects

She lays a cluster of eggs in a silk cocoon under a leaf and guards it until they have hatched


© Tony Gunton