"Rydale" schreef in bericht
...
I'm no expert on spiders, but did find this guy on Diani Beach last year -

http://www.tomalin.org/bedford/kenya...s/IMG_1535.jpg

I think its a form of Golden Orb spider (Nephila) - around 10-15cm long
(oh
yes!) - but no idea if its poisonous.
It was in a colony of half a dozen or so - many webs all in one area.

I did keep a sensible distance.

Charles


Looks quite similair to the Golden Orb in Southern Africa. Females are much
bigger then males, and when she is ready to mate, he 'plays the violin'. He
vibrates the web, but no to intens (otherwise she thinks he's a prey)....
This happens when she is eating prey, then the female mates with her, and
after that he makes his retreat, otherwise the female may eat him.

Females can inflict a painful bite, but as far as is known, none venomous.

However, Orb spiders are not communal spiders.

Bushregards,

Corné.

www.amukela.com