Araneus alsine (Walckenaer, 1802)

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



Description of Araneus alsine (Strawberry spider)

Physical Characteristics

Female 7 to 15 mm.
Abdomen light orange to orange-red with a pattern of white-yellow dots, and four slightly larger dots at the front.
Carapace orange-red with a thin dark median stripe.
Legs In young animals they are weak annulated.
Palps orange-red.

Male 5 to 8.5 mm.
Markings and colours almost identical to the female. The legs are weak annulated and palps have reddish brown tarsi.

Habitat

In humid areas, including forests, forest edges and meadows. The spider builds the web very low to the ground and is hidden in a rolled leaf itself.

Distribution

Common in the whole of Europe.

Period

Summer and early autumn. Females until October.