Unidentified

Picture ID 52271

Picture of unidentified spider

Comments & ID Thoughts

I want to know what spider this is

  • Submitted by: 
    Luxe
  • Submitted: Jan 26, 2019
  • Photographed: Jan 26, 2019
  • Spider: Unidentified
  • Location: Port Elizabeth, South Africa
  • Spotted Outdoors: Man-made structure (building wall, fences, etc.)
  • Found in web?: Yes
  • Attributes:
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TangledWeb

Argiope australis?

TangledWeb

Yes. They are called orbweavers and garden spiders. You’re right that it might be a different species of Argiope. The World Spider Catalog lists the places established populations of a species lives. It is possible that there are populations of a spider in other places. An easy shortcut is to go to the genus name on Wikipedia. There is a list in most of the spider genus articles to a consolidated index of species locations from the World Spider Catalog. For Argiope, scroll down to “Taxonomy ,” under that is, “species.” That is where the list, circa 2016, is.

CalumEwing

As TangledWeb has said, there are a number of Argiope species in South Africa. With the lobed abdomen, transverse yellow markings and tight banding on the legs it looks a lot like Argiope australis to me as well.

Chandre

Wow! That is amazing! Why is this spider still “Unidentified” though?

TangledWeb

It hasn’t been checked and processed by the volunteer website moderator. It’s a matter of having enough time to make sure all of the IDs are done right. Dr. Ewing is a career professional, the ID is probably correct 🙂

Chandre

Thank you! I never really fully understood how it worked. I appreciate the explanation!