Need info on spider seen in Campinas (Sao Paulo), Brazil

zombich Campinas, Brazil Dec 04, 2010

Hi!

I saw this spider on the outside of the library window in Campinas, Brazil. With its legs at a 'normal' position, I'd say it's about 7 cm (3 inches) big. It had a funnel-like web having its 'neck' at the ceiling, and opening up downwards. Just curious about whether it's dangerous, venomous, rare, etc.

Here's an image of the neck of the funnel-like web: http://yfrog.com/66brazil3097j
- and a better image of the pattern on its back: http://yfrog.com/2fbrazil3098j

Thanks a lot.

Zoltan

This message was edited Dec 4, 2010 11:23 AM

This message was edited Dec 4, 2010 11:27 AM

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suunto Sinks Grove, WV Dec 04, 2010

U cannot provide a specific identification, but this is an orb weaving spider (family Araneidae), and thus harmless to humans.

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zombich Campinas, Brazil Dec 04, 2010

Thanks!
I looked up orb weaving spiders a bit, and judging by the pattern on it, I'd say it's a Marbled Orb Weaver. I'll consider this solved :)

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suunto Sinks Grove, WV Dec 05, 2010

This would not be a marbled orb weaver (Araneus marmoreus), as that species does not occur in South America; see http://tinyurl.com/2fvsdn3 for its distribution. The genus Araneus includes hundreds of species; many of which can bear a superficial resemblance to one another and can be separated only by microscopic examination. Also, it is possible that this specimen may be in a different genus altogether. If I can come any closer to a specific i.d., I will get back to this thread..

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