Geographic range:
Neotropical: N. clavipes can be found
from the southeast United States through Argentina and Peru.
Physical characteristics: N. clavipes
are highly sexually dimorphic. Females are significantly larger than
males ranging from 5 to 6 times the size of the male. Generally, females
are up to 3 inches long. Newly hatched golden silk spiders weigh 0.07g
while adult females weigh 4g. Their body is mostly yellow with an
elongated abdomen and long, hairy legs.
Food habits: N. clavipes feed on
small flying insects. Webs constructed by golden silk spiders are
used to catch the prey.
Reproduction: N. clavipes go through
many molting stages. As male N. clavipes reach maturity, they inhabit
the webs of females. Males occupy a hub position, which is an area
5cm above the female, and guard her.
Approximately four days before females reach a final molt, they cease
web reparation and prey capture. Females are sexually receptive for
48 hours after their final molt has occurred. For reproduction to
occur among N. clavipes , males must stimulate females and arouse
them in order to prevent from becoming prey. Although, in this species
of spider, predation on males is not common. When males approach females
for copulation, males vibrate their abdomen and use a plucking motion.
Once the sperm is transferred, it is stored in the spermathecae.
After the final molt, females can live 27 days, while males live from
14-21.
Behavior: Golden silk spiders construct
a strong web for protection from predators and for the capture of
prey. The size and structure of the golden silk spider web indicates
the defense strategies and developmental changes these spiders go
through. The presence of a barrier web, an arrangement of silk on
one or more sides of the web, is one useful mechanism for N. clavipes
. These barrier webs help block predators such as birds and damselflies.
They are also useful for indicating when prey has been caught through
vibrations of the web.
Habitat: Golden web spiders are found in areas of high humidity
and relatively open space. They live in forest areas along trails
and clearing edges.
Biomes: temperate forest & rainforest
Conservation:Status:
IUCN: Not Evaluated
CITES: No special status |
