Argiope bruennichi (Scopoli, 1772)

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Look for the description of the species at the bottom of the page.

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Description of Argiope bruennichi (Wasp spider)

Physical Characteristics

Female 10 to 22 mm.
Abdomen white to yellow with black transverse stripes.
Carapace silver-grey.
Legs yellow-brown with distinct black annulations.
Palps light brown.

Male 4 to 8 mm.
Abdomen pale yellow with brown markings in the middle.
Carapace yellow-brown with two darker brown longitudinal bands.
Legs yellow-brown with faint brown spots and annulations.
Palps light brown with dark brown tarsi.

Habitat

Low vegetation, for example heathlands and along water.

Distribution

Occurs in the whole of Europe. More common to the south.

Period

Summer. Females until October.