Leucauge argyrobapta
(Mabel Orchard Orb-weaver)

Picture ID 94992

Picture of Leucauge argyrobapta (Mabel Orchard Orb-weaver) - Ventral

Comments & ID Thoughts

I think it might be an Orchard Orb Weaver? It was only small, about 1/2 inch in body length. Seen in web low to ground beside house.

Subscribe
Notify of
8 Comments
oldest
newest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
TangledWeb

Nice photo! Yes this an Orchard Orbweaver in genus Leucauge.

TangledWeb

You are very welcome! When I travel I photograph species that are new to me. They are more interesting to me than landmarks or scenery. Australia would be a great place for me to see new spiders, you have very interesting ones!

ItsyBitsy

Leucauge argyrobapta (Mabel Orchard Orb-weaver)

TangledWeb

I didn’t give the species because genetic research has found that Except for a region of Florida, the Orchard Orbweavers are all Leucauge venusta in USA. The population boundary lines haven’t been established and the report said that they can’t be differentiated visually. So, for Florida I’ve been saying Leucauge species, and all other states, Leucage venusta. Itsy, what do you think?

ItsyBitsy

I differentiate them by the big red blotches on the sides of the abdomen … they’re partially visible on this one. I only see those blotches on the southern Leucauge, I think it’s a safe bet they’re argyrobapta. This one is from Florida.

ItsyBitsy

Scroll down to “range”, there’s some info and a link to range map here: https://bugguide.net/node/view/1587425

TangledWeb

Yes, that’s from the same study. The red blotches do seem to be mostly southern. If someone is using our site for scientific research on Leucauge spp. they’ll still have the photos we’re working from to use. Visual identification of spiders isn’t a genetic guarantee anyhow- as a species or as individuals. I’ve found that mixed species plants are common. It really aggravated me when I was trying to identify them in my neighborhood until one of my newer reference books said, “don’t bother, just go to genus level.” I have a gorgeous little multispecies oak tree in my yard.

Additional Pictures

Picture of Leucauge argyrobapta (Mabel Orchard Orb-weaver) Enlarge Picture
Picture of Leucauge argyrobapta (Mabel Orchard Orb-weaver) - Ventral,Webs Enlarge Picture
Picture of Leucauge argyrobapta (Mabel Orchard Orb-weaver) - Male,Female - Webs Enlarge Picture
Picture of Leucauge argyrobapta (Mabel Orchard Orb-weaver) Enlarge Picture