Arachnid · GBIF taxon 2158451
Christmas Jewel Spider
Austracantha minaxAlso known as Jewel Spider, Christmas Spider, Six-Spined Spider
Jewel spiders weave intricate vertical orb webs, often clustering together in vast communal networks across Australian woodlands and gardens during the summer months. Females feature six bright, spine-like projections on their glossy yellow, white, and black abdomens, creating a striking armor against predators. Despite their formidable appearance, these social orb weavers are gentle creatures that capture tiny flying insects and pose no threat to humans.
Orb WeaverSpiny AbdomenEndemic
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Flies
- Mosquitoes
- Small moths
Predators
- Birds
- Parasitoid wasps
- Lizards
ThreatsBroad-scale pesticide application, severe wildfires
HabitatsSclerophyll forests, open woodlands, coastal scrub, suburban gardens
Life span1 year
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAraneidae
- SpeciesAustracantha minax
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observing Webs: Look for overlapping communal web networks stretched between low shrubs in sunny clearings.
- Photography: Focus on the six colorful abdominal spines during bright morning light for optimal detail.
- Trail Awareness: Watch for low-hanging webs across hiking trails in midsummer to avoid disturbing colonies.
Sympatric Neighbor no rights reserved · cc0
Close Relative (c) Meghan Cassidy, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Meghan Cassidy · cc-by-sa
Family Relative (c) Steve Kerr, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Kerr · cc-by
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