The Jewel Spider, also known as the Austracantha minax, is an eye-catching and uniquely designed spider native to Australia. These small creatures are known for their intricate web designs and striking appearance, often featuring vibrant colors and distinct, spiky abdomens.
While the Jewel Spider may seem intimidating due to its exotic looks, this species is actually quite harmless to humans. Occasionally found in gardens, Jewel Spiders are known to help control pest populations, making them beneficial inhabitants in some cases.
With their striking appearance and fascinating web-building skills, Jewel Spiders are both intriguing and valuable creatures to know more about. Their contributions to controlling pests and their captivating looks make them a fascinating subject for nature enthusiasts.
Jewel Spider Basics
Scientific Classification
The Jewel Spider, scientifically known as Araneus gemmoides, belongs to the phylum Arthropoda, class Arachnida, order Araneae, and family Araneidae1.
Size
Jewel Spiders are small-to-medium-sized spiders. Adult females measure about 6-9mm in body length, while males are smaller, averaging around 4-5mm1.
Common Name
The Jewel Spider is also known as the “Cat-faced Spider” or “Star Spider” due to the unique shape and patterns on their abdomen1.
Family
Jewel Spiders belong to the Araneidae family, which is commonly known as the “Orb-weaver family” due to their circular, well-organized webs1.
Genus
The genus Araneus consists of various orb-weaving spiders and includes over 650 species worldwide1.
Examples of other Araneus species:
- Araneus diadematus (European Garden Spider)
- Araneus angulatus (Corner Spider)
Comparison Table: Jewel Spider vs. European Garden Spider
| Feature | Jewel Spider (Araneus gemmoides) | European Garden Spider (Araneus diadematus) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 6-9mm (females), 4-5mm (males) | 12-15mm (females), 5-9mm (males) |
| Web | Orb-web | Orb-web |
| Habitat | North America | Europe, North America |
Characteristics of Jewel Spiders:
- Small-to-medium-sized spiders
- Unique abdomen shape and patterns
- Orb-web weavers
Pros and Cons of Jewel Spiders in the ecosystem:
Pros:
- Predators of insects, helping to control pest populations
- Part of the food chain, providing nourishment for other animals
Cons:
- Can cause fear or discomfort in humans due to their appearance
Physical Appearance
Colors
Jewel spiders exhibit a variety of vibrant colors, often combining metallic shades of green, blue, and red. These colors serve as a form of camouflage among vegetation and can attract prey.
Legs
- Jewel spiders have eight legs, just like other spiders.
- Their legs are covered in spines to help with mobility and capturing prey.
Spines
- The spines on a jewel spider’s legs are thin and elongated, providing better grip and defense.
- Spines can vary in length and are sometimes brightly colored.
Chelicerae
- Jewel spiders have two chelicerae, which are the mouthparts that contain their fangs.
- Their chelicerae are short but powerful, enabling them to inject venom into their prey.
Pedipalps
- Pedipalps are located near the chelicerae and serve as sensory organs.
- In male jewel spiders, pedipalps are enlarged and modified for mating purposes.
Eyes
- Jewel spiders possess eight eyes arranged in two rows.
- Their eyes vary in size, with the anterior median pair being the largest.
Sexual Dimorphism
| Males | Females | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Coloration | Duller colors | Brighter colors |
| Pedipalps | Enlarged | Not enlarged |
- Sexual dimorphism is evident in jewel spiders, with females being larger and more brightly colored than males.
- Males have enlarged pedipalps for mating.
Colour Polymorphism
- Jewel spiders display color polymorphism, meaning individuals within the same species can have different color patterns.
- This characteristic helps them adapt to different environments and avoid predation.
Habitat and Distribution
Regions
The Jewel spider, also known as the golden silk orb-weaver, can be found in various regions around the world. They are mainly distributed in:
- Australia
- Texas
- Other parts of the United States
- Asia
- Africa
Habitat
Jewel spiders prefer to inhabit:
- Gardens
- Forests
- Grassy areas
- Bushland
They are usually found in areas with a dense plant population, where they can build their orb-shaped webs to capture prey.
Endemic
Jewel spiders are native to:
- Australia (common in the coastal regions)
- Southern Texas in the United States
- Other parts of the United States
In these regions, they have adapted to the local environmental conditions and are a crucial part of the ecosystem.
Environmental Conditions
These spiders can thrive in various environmental conditions. They prefer:
- Warm, humid climates
- Areas with abundant sunlight (for web-building)
- Dense plant life (provides anchor points for webs)
| Region | Climate | Plant Density |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | Warm | High |
| Texas | Warm | High |
| United States | Mild | Moderate |
In conclusion, knowing more about the Jewel spider’s habitat and distribution can help us appreciate and conserve them. Always remember: maintaining biodiversity is crucial for a healthy ecosystem.
Diet and Hunting Technique
Prey
Jewel spiders primarily feast on small insects like:
- Flies
- Mosquitoes
- Moths
Venom
The venom of a jewel spider is effective in breaking down these insects’ bodies for consumption. While its venom is harmless to humans, it paralyzes the prey for easy digestion.
Examples of venom effects:
- Paralysis
- Tissue breakdown
- Easier digestion
Flying Insects
Jewel spiders have a unique hunting technique to catch flying insects, which includes:
- Building orb-shaped webs
- Using their third claw to assist in web weaving
- Creating zig-zag patterns in the web center
Comparing flying insect prey capture:
| Insect | Attraction to Web |
|---|---|
| Flies | Web’s sticky silk |
| Moths | Web’s ultraviolet light reflection |
Using their webs, jewel spiders efficiently catch flying insects and immobilize them with their venom. The specialized weaving technique and venom make them successful predators.
Reproduction And Lifecycle
Reproduction
Jewel Spiders, also known as Austracantha minax, reproduce sexually. They are dioecious, meaning males and females have distinct reproductive organs.
Mating
Mating in Jewel Spiders involves complex courtship rituals, where the male presents himself to the female. If the female finds the male suitable, she will allow him to mate.
Courtship
Courtship consists of the male performing a series of dances, leg tapping, and other displays. This is to prove his worthiness and prevent being mistaken for prey.
Sex
During sex, jewel spider males transfer sperm to the female through specialized appendages called pedipalps.
Spermatophores
Males deposit spermatophores, small packets containing sperm, into the female’s genital opening. The spermatophores release sperm that fertilize the female’s eggs.
Spiderlings
- Jewel spider’s offspring are called spiderlings.
- They hatch from fertilized eggs and develop within egg sacs.
Egg Sacs
- Egg sacs are intricately woven, silk structures made by female jewel spiders.
- These sacs protect eggs and developing spiderlings until they’re ready to hatch.
In summary, Jewel Spiders reproduce through sexual reproduction involving complex courtship rituals, mating, and the transfer of spermatophores. Female spiders lay fertilized eggs that develop into spiderlings within protective egg sacs.
Different Jewel Spider Species
Brazilian Jewel Tarantula
The Brazilian Jewel Tarantula (Typhochlaena seladonia) is a stunning, small-sized tarantula with bright colors and intricate patterns, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts. They are native to Brazil and typically found in the Atlantic forest region. Some features include:
- Bright colors like green, blue, and orange
- Intricate patterns on their abdomen
- Size: 3-3.5 cm (1-1.4 inches)
Gasteracantha Minax
The Gasteracantha Minax, commonly known as the Spiny Orb-Weaver, is widespread throughout Asia and Africa. They are characterized by their unique abdomen shape and vibrant colors. Key features include:
- Bright red or yellow on a black body
- Six strong spines on the abdomen
- Size: 5-9 mm (female), 2-3 mm (male)
Christmas Spider
Also known as the Australian Jewel Spider (Austracantha minax), this spider is native to Australia. They are found in vegetation and create small orb webs. Unique characteristics include:
- Vibrant orange-red, creamy yellow, and black coloration
- Six spines on the abdomen (similar to Gasteracantha Minax)
- Size: 7-10 mm (female), 3-4 mm (male)
Bark Jewel Spider
Bark Jewel Spiders (Heteropoda davidbowie) are mainly found in Malaysia and have been named after the famous musician David Bowie. They have striking patterns and blend in with tree bark. Key features:
- Yellow-brown with black markings
- Large eyes and impressive leg span
- Size: 15-20 mm
Trap Door
Trap Door Spiders (Cteniza spp.) are known for their unusual burrow construction, using a hinged door made of silk and soil. They are mainly found in the Mediterranean region and North Africa. Notable features:
- Brown to black coloration
- Burrow-dwelling with unique trap door
- Size: 12-32 mm (female), 10-15 mm (male)
| Species | Size (Female) | Size (Male) | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazilian Jewel Tarantula | 3-3.5 cm | – | Bright colors, intricate abdomen pattern |
| Gasteracantha Minax | 5-9 mm | 2-3 mm | Six abdominal spines, vibrant colors |
| Christmas Spider | 7-10 mm | 3-4 mm | Vibrant colors, six spines |
| Bark Jewel Spider | 15-20 mm | – | Camouflage, large leg span |
| Trap Door Spider | 12-32 mm | 10-15 mm | Unique burrow, trap door construction |
Interactions With Humans
Harmless to Humans
The Jewel Spider is harmless to humans, and poses no significant threat. Although a bite may occur if the spider is roughly handled, it is quite rare.
Swelling
In the event of a bite, it could cause temporary swelling and irritation, similar to a mosquito bite. But it’s important to note that most Jewel Spider bites are of no serious concern.
Arachnophobia
Many people suffer from arachnophobia, which is an irrational fear of spiders. Although the Jewel Spider is not dangerous to humans, its presence can still cause anxiety for those with arachnophobia. It is essential to remember that this spider is not a threat and can even be helpful in controlling pest populations in gardens and homes.
| Spider | Bite Effects | Dangerous to Humans |
|---|---|---|
| Jewel Spider | Swelling | No |
Jewel Spider Community Behaviors
Communal Webs
Jewel spiders, also known as Austracantha minax, are known for their unique ability to create communal webs. A few key features of these webs include:
- Multiple spiders sharing the same web
- Webs built close to each other, creating a network
- Cooperation in catching prey and maintaining the web
An example of such communal living can be seen in Australia, where groups of jewel spiders are often found building their webs close together in large clusters.
Behaviour
Jewel spiders exhibit fascinating behaviors, especially when observed in a communal setting. Some noteworthy behaviors are:
- Guarding their webs against potential threats
- Attracting prey by the female’s bright coloration
- Males performing courtship rituals to impress females
In comparison to solitary spiders, who build and maintain their webs alone, jewel spiders demonstrate a sense of cooperation and community.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
History
The Jewel Spider, also known as the golden silk spider, is a fascinating species. They are known for their vibrant colors and intricate webs.
Uses
Some Jewel Spiders are used for:
- Silk production: Their strong and golden silk has applications in textiles.
- Pest control: Being natural predators, they help control insect populations.
Gifts
Jewel spiders can’t be given as pets or gifts due to their wild nature. However, you can find spider-inspired gifts like:
- Jewelry: Earrings, pendants, or cufflinks with a spider motif.
- Artwork: paintings, prints, or web-patterned items.
Benefits
Jewel spiders are beneficial for:
- Ecosystem balance: helping maintain a healthy balance of insects in their environment.
- Pollination: These spiders unintentionally aid in plant pollination while navigating their webs.
Leg Span
Jewel spiders have varying leg spans, depending on factors like age, gender, and species. For example, the golden silk spider has leg spans ranging from 1 to 6 inches. As a species, here are some features and characteristics:
- Metallic and vibrant colors
- Orb-shaped webs
- Females often larger than males
Comparison Table
| Jewel Spider | Orb Weaver Spider | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 1-6 inches | 0.1-1 inch |
| Web | Orb-shaped | Circular |
| Colors | Metallic | Varied |
Footnotes
Reader Emails
Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.
Letter 1 – Christmas Spider from Australia
christmas spider
Thought you might like my macro shot of a Christmas spider, taken in my front yard (I live in Toowoomba, Qld, Australia) – identified via Victoria Museum website. I snuck my hand and camera between the web and the shrub to get this shot, as she usually poses underneath the web. I don’t like spiders much, but with my new camera they are becoming more interesting for the challenge of taking the pix, and for the different patterns and colours (and sizes).
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
Your photo is quite beautiful. Christmas Spiders, Austracantha minax, are also known as Jewel Spiders.
Letter 2 – Christmas Spider from New Guinea
Some more great bugs from PNG
April 30, 2010
There are so many awesome bugs here in Papua New Guinea, and I know we’ve only seen the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Here are a few we thought you would like to see.
The first is called, at least locally, a “Christmas spider.” Perhaps you can identify it? They’re rather small – the largest being only about an inch across. The second, some kind of leaf bug? It was about 3″ long, not including antennae. The third, a borer, also about 3″ long not including antennae, which had a spread of about 8″. The spider and leaf bug were photographed near Madang and the borer was photographed in Buka, Bougainville. Enjoy!!
Sharon
Papua New Guinea
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for your numerous lovely photos. It really mucks up our archives if we include radically different categories of bugs in a single posting, so we are only posting your photo of the Christmas Spider, probably in the genus Gasteracantha, also known as the Crablike Spiny Orbweavers or Jewel Spiders. The Brisbane Insect website has a page devoted to a different but similar species.
So sorry I mucked up your archives!! I just thought you might like to have the pics. J Did you get my first message? It seemed to bounce back, but it was unclear and I thought it was just my “send me a copy of this email” selection. It had some really great pictures of a PNG bagworm – impressive little thing. Its bag is 8” long! I’ll resend if you didn’t get it.
sb
Hi again Sharon,
First we apologize if you thought we were upset. We just wanted you to know that we were going to be posting your images independently and not en masse. Posting them separately keeps the archives from getting mucked up, though they are already an unfathomable jumble.
No no no! I didn’t think you were upset, and I wasn’t upset. I only thought the error I received coupled with not hearing back about the bagworm probably meant that the message didn’t go through (thus the second attempt). I’ll leave you alone now! J Thanks for helping identify!
Blessings,
sharon
Letter 3 – Jewel Spider from Australia
Subject: A spider look like pufferfish
Location: Australia 4405
May 23, 2017 4:30 pm
What spider is this, it look like pufferfish, I found that in Australia, I did ask people around, they never saw that before.
Signature: Sam
Dear Sam,
This stunning Spider is known as a Jewel Spider according to the Brisbane Insect site that states: “Jewel Spiders are also known as Six Spined Spider, Christmas spiders and Spiny Spiders. They can be found in summer, around Christmas time in Brisbane. Their abdomen has bright yellow and white patterns on black back ground. There are six spines on their back.” According to Atlas of Living Australia, it is widely distributed around Australia and its scientific name is Austracantha minax. According to Arachne.org.au: “This species occurs throughout most of Australia in shrubby woodlands. It is Recorded from all states and territories, in coastal an inland areass. It builds a circular web between shrubs, sometimes this is reduced to a few supporting strands. Black spines around the abdomen and distinctive yellow, white and black markings make this spider easy to identify. Bite mildly painful, temporary local reaction. ♀ 8mm ♂ 5mm.”
Letter 4 – Jewel Spider from Australia
Subject: Spiky spider
Geographic location of the bug: Victoria, Australia
Date: 01/03/2018
Time: 09:00 PM EDT
It was around February-June 2017 when I saw a spiky spider with thin red legs. It looked like the spikes where it’s shell. It was super tiny, so very hard to take a photo of but I hope the photo is okay. It was on a web which had been woven between two bushes and it was just sitting there. I hope I have given you enough information.
How you want your letter signed: From Bethany
Dear Bethany,
Your image is perfectly fine and you have supplied us with the necessary information to identify your Jewel Spider or Spiny Spider, Austracantha minax, a harmless Orbweaver pictured on the Brisbane Insect site where it states: “Jewel Spiders are also known as Six Spined Spider, Christmas spiders and Spiny Spiders. They can be found in summer, around Christmas time in Brisbane. Their abdomen has bright yellow and white patterns on black back ground. There are six spines on their back. Jewel Spiders build vertical orb web about one to two meters about ground. The radius of their webs are denser then other spider’s. It could be because of their short legs. They sit at the centre of their webs from day to night.“
Reader Emails
Over the years, our website, whatsthatbug.com has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.
Letter 1 – Christmas Spider from Australia
christmas spider
Thought you might like my macro shot of a Christmas spider, taken in my front yard (I live in Toowoomba, Qld, Australia) – identified via Victoria Museum website. I snuck my hand and camera between the web and the shrub to get this shot, as she usually poses underneath the web. I don’t like spiders much, but with my new camera they are becoming more interesting for the challenge of taking the pix, and for the different patterns and colours (and sizes).
Sharon
Hi Sharon,
Your photo is quite beautiful. Christmas Spiders, Austracantha minax, are also known as Jewel Spiders.
Letter 2 – Christmas Spider from New Guinea
Some more great bugs from PNG
April 30, 2010
There are so many awesome bugs here in Papua New Guinea, and I know we’ve only seen the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Here are a few we thought you would like to see.
The first is called, at least locally, a “Christmas spider.” Perhaps you can identify it? They’re rather small – the largest being only about an inch across. The second, some kind of leaf bug? It was about 3″ long, not including antennae. The third, a borer, also about 3″ long not including antennae, which had a spread of about 8″. The spider and leaf bug were photographed near Madang and the borer was photographed in Buka, Bougainville. Enjoy!!
Sharon
Papua New Guinea
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for your numerous lovely photos. It really mucks up our archives if we include radically different categories of bugs in a single posting, so we are only posting your photo of the Christmas Spider, probably in the genus Gasteracantha, also known as the Crablike Spiny Orbweavers or Jewel Spiders. The Brisbane Insect website has a page devoted to a different but similar species.
So sorry I mucked up your archives!! I just thought you might like to have the pics. J Did you get my first message? It seemed to bounce back, but it was unclear and I thought it was just my “send me a copy of this email” selection. It had some really great pictures of a PNG bagworm – impressive little thing. Its bag is 8” long! I’ll resend if you didn’t get it.
sb
Hi again Sharon,
First we apologize if you thought we were upset. We just wanted you to know that we were going to be posting your images independently and not en masse. Posting them separately keeps the archives from getting mucked up, though they are already an unfathomable jumble.
No no no! I didn’t think you were upset, and I wasn’t upset. I only thought the error I received coupled with not hearing back about the bagworm probably meant that the message didn’t go through (thus the second attempt). I’ll leave you alone now! J Thanks for helping identify!
Blessings,
sharon
Letter 3 – Jewel Spider from Australia
Subject: A spider look like pufferfish
Location: Australia 4405
May 23, 2017 4:30 pm
What spider is this, it look like pufferfish, I found that in Australia, I did ask people around, they never saw that before.
Signature: Sam
Dear Sam,
This stunning Spider is known as a Jewel Spider according to the Brisbane Insect site that states: “Jewel Spiders are also known as Six Spined Spider, Christmas spiders and Spiny Spiders. They can be found in summer, around Christmas time in Brisbane. Their abdomen has bright yellow and white patterns on black back ground. There are six spines on their back.” According to Atlas of Living Australia, it is widely distributed around Australia and its scientific name is Austracantha minax. According to Arachne.org.au: “This species occurs throughout most of Australia in shrubby woodlands. It is Recorded from all states and territories, in coastal an inland areass. It builds a circular web between shrubs, sometimes this is reduced to a few supporting strands. Black spines around the abdomen and distinctive yellow, white and black markings make this spider easy to identify. Bite mildly painful, temporary local reaction. ♀ 8mm ♂ 5mm.”
Letter 4 – Jewel Spider from Australia
Subject: Spiky spider
Geographic location of the bug: Victoria, Australia
Date: 01/03/2018
Time: 09:00 PM EDT
It was around February-June 2017 when I saw a spiky spider with thin red legs. It looked like the spikes where it’s shell. It was super tiny, so very hard to take a photo of but I hope the photo is okay. It was on a web which had been woven between two bushes and it was just sitting there. I hope I have given you enough information.
How you want your letter signed: From Bethany
Dear Bethany,
Your image is perfectly fine and you have supplied us with the necessary information to identify your Jewel Spider or Spiny Spider, Austracantha minax, a harmless Orbweaver pictured on the Brisbane Insect site where it states: “Jewel Spiders are also known as Six Spined Spider, Christmas spiders and Spiny Spiders. They can be found in summer, around Christmas time in Brisbane. Their abdomen has bright yellow and white patterns on black back ground. There are six spines on their back. Jewel Spiders build vertical orb web about one to two meters about ground. The radius of their webs are denser then other spider’s. It could be because of their short legs. They sit at the centre of their webs from day to night.“
