Arachnid · GBIF taxon 5170994
Wasp Spider
Argiope bruennichiWasp spiders construct conspicuous, vertical orb webs in tall grass, often weaving a bright white zig-zag silk pattern called a stabilimentum through the center. Females display vivid yellow, black, and white abdominal stripes that mimic stinging insects to deter predatory birds. Males are dramatically smaller than females and must court with extreme caution, as mating frequently ends in the male being consumed.
Orb WeaverStriking PatternGrassland
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Grasshoppers
- Flies
- Bees
Predators
- Insect-eating birds
- Lizards
- Spider wasps
ThreatsHabitat loss from intensive agriculture and frequent land mowing
HabitatsGrasslands, wet meadows, heathlands, and sunny verges
Life span1 year
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAraneidae
- SpeciesArgiope bruennichi
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless to humans; safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Spotting Webs: Look for large orb webs suspended low in tall grass, especially in sunny meadows during late summer.
- Web Features: Search near the web center for the distinctive zig-zag silk ribbon known as the stabilimentum.
- Observer Etiquette: Avoid disturbing the web thread framework, as rebuilding requires significant energetic investment.
Close Relative (c) M. Whitson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Steve Kerr, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Kerr · cc-by
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