Arachnid · GBIF taxon 10752509
Australian Golden Orbweaver
Trichonephila edulisThe Australian Golden Orbweaver suspends a broad yellow-gold silk web between shrubs and trees. Adult females have an elongated silvery body and long banded legs, while the much smaller males often wait near the edge of a female's web.
Golden Silk WebLarge OrbweaverSexual Size Dimorphism
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Moths
- Flies
- Beetles
Predators
- Insect-eating birds
- Spider wasps
- Lizards
ThreatsPesticide use, vegetation clearing, repeated web destruction, severe storms, and deliberate killing
HabitatsForest edges, open woodland, gardens, coastal scrub, mangroves, and sheltered gaps between vegetation
Life spanUsually about one year for females, while adult males survive for a shorter period
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAraneidae
- SpeciesTrichonephila edulis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- A restrained orbweaver may inject mild venom, usually causing localized pain or swelling; leave the spider and web untouched.
- Why it is dangerous
- A female pressed against skin or trapped in clothing may inject mild venom through a defensive bite, usually causing local pain and swelling.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Confirm an elongated silvery female with long banded legs resting in a broad golden-tinted orb web.
- What to do
- Do not touch the spider or web; wash a bite and seek medical advice for severe or spreading symptoms.
Responsible observation
- Silk: Look for a large orb web with a warm golden tint in angled light.
- Web: Walk around support strands instead of pushing through or shaking them.
- Handling: Never pick up or trap the spider, including a small male near the web.
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