Invertebrate
Invertebrate
Golden Orb-weaver
Trichonephila clavipes
The Golden Orb-weaver is a large, conspicuous spider common in Trinidad's forests and gardens, spinning an enormous, strikingly golden-toned web strong enough to occasionally trap small birds and bats.
The Golden Orb-weaver is a large, conspicuous spider common in Trinidad's forests and gardens, spinning an enormous, strikingly golden-toned web strong enough to occasionally trap small birds and bats.
Identification
A large spider with females reaching a body length of around 3 to 5 cm (with a leg span considerably greater), yellowish-brown with banded, tufted legs, while males are far smaller and less conspicuous. Its silk has a distinctive golden sheen in sunlight, a feature that gives the species its common name and is thought to help attract insect prey.
Behaviour
Builds large, durable orb webs, often over a metre across, strung between trees or across forest trails and garden clearings, and repairs or rebuilds sections rather than the entire web each day, unlike many other orb-weavers. Prey consists mainly of flying insects, though occasionally small birds or bats become entangled in the unusually strong silk.
Status in T&T
Common in forest, forest edge, and gardens across Trinidad. Not considered threatened, and harmless to humans despite its large size, with a bite that is rarely more than mildly irritating.
