What is a golden orb-weaver spider?
The golden orb-weaver is a large Australian spider that spins strong webs of golden silk, often more than a metre wide. It is common in gardens and forests, especially in warmer months.
Female golden orb-weavers have long, banded legs and a silver-grey or brown body, with a leg span that can reach around ten centimetres or more. The males are tiny by comparison and often live on the edge of the female's web.
The golden colour of the silk may help attract insects in sunlight and camouflage the web in shade. The silk is very strong, and webs are often left up for long periods and repaired as needed.
Big webs, small danger
Golden orb-weavers catch flies, beetles, moths and cicadas, and their webs have occasionally trapped small birds. Despite their size, they are not dangerous to people, and bites are rare and mild.
Bushwalkers often walk into their webs strung across tracks.
Several species live in Australia, mainly in the north and east, and they are most noticeable from late spring to autumn. Small silver dewdrop spiders often live in their webs, stealing small insects. Leaving webs in place in gardens can help control flying insects without chemicals.
Did You Know?
Researchers have studied golden orb-weaver silk for possible uses in medicine and materials.