Argiope aetherea is a common, large orb-web spider (family Araneidae). Like other species of Argiope, it is commonly known as the St Andrew's Cross spider, due to the characteristic cross-shaped web decorations female spiders often include in their webs. A. aetherea is similar in appearance to A. keyserlingi, however female A. aetherea are generally larger than A. keyserlingi.[2] Like most orb-web spiders, A. aetherea shows considerable sexual size dimorphism, with females being many times larger than males.
Argiope aetherea is found from China to Australia.[1]
There exists a subspecies from New Guinea:
Argiope aetherea with cross shaped web decoration
Argiope aetherea (female, ventral)
Female, dorsal
Same spider, ventral
Argiope aetherea
Argiope aetherea is a common, large orb-web spider (family Araneidae). Like other species of Argiope, it is commonly known as the St Andrew's Cross spider, due to the characteristic cross-shaped web decorations female spiders often include in their webs. A. aetherea is similar in appearance to A. keyserlingi, however female A. aetherea are generally larger than A. keyserlingi. Like most orb-web spiders, A. aetherea shows considerable sexual size dimorphism, with females being many times larger than males.
