or N. Neoscona oaxacensis (four photos)
Orb Weaver
Eye arrangement of the Neoscona.
Neoscona arabesca male on Antelope Island. The Island is covered with them, especially
around the marina. I read here that there's a longitudinal groove posteriorly on the
carapace that separates the Neoscona species from other similar orb weavers.
What specific Neoscona is the problem in identification.
© Carol Davis, 7-17-05
This spider, showing the spinnerets, stood out from among the rest because of her bright yellowish
coloring. She absolutely glowed in the afternoon sunlight. © Carol Davis, 7-17-05
This side view of the male Neoscona arabesca shows the yellow on the abdomen
and the black pedipalps. Notice the way he holds on to the web. © Carol Davis, 7-17-2005
When you walk into a web of this spider on Antelope Island it's like walking
into nylon string. They have many thick single strands strategically placed in the area
so if you, a coyote, or a roaming buffalo walk into one it warns them you're coming through.
They then quickly run along one of their non-sticky web lines and hide under a leaf or branch.
There are a few varieties of Neoscona in Utah and no one seems to know which
spider is which. I have chosen Neoscona arabesca only because I read it is on
Antelope Island, where I took these photos. The other Neoscona are N. oaxacensis,
and N. crucifera.
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