IDENTITY RECORD

Wasp spider

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Argiope bruennichi

DescrIption

I have striking yellow and black markings crosswise on my abdomen and rings around my legs. My females measure 15-25 mm long and males 4-8 mm.

Behavior

Diet

I weave my web low down in the vegetation to catch large insects such as crickets, grasshoppers and bees that I wrap in silk before consuming them.

Reproduction

The female lays about 200-300 eggs in one or two cocoons in the fall. The male is often consumed by the female after mating.

Did you know ?

My web has a distinctive vertical zigzag at the center.

Possible mistaken identity

My distinctive size and coloration are hard to mistake.

Where and when can you find me in the reserve ?

Habitat

I like to weave my web in tall grass and sunny bushes. You can find me on hedgerows, in fallow land and on meadows.

When to spot me

The males can be found in July and August, the females August to October.

Conservation status

• There are no national or regional red lists for spiders.