Araneus circe (Audouin, 1826)

Click on the pictures for a larger view.

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



Description of Araneus circe

Physical Characteristics

Appearance indistinguishable from (Araneus angulatus). Identification can only be done based on genital characteristics. The males can be distinguished by the longer and stronger spines on tibia II.

Female 15 to 21 mm.
Abdomen light grey or light brown with a dark mottled leaf-shaped figure and a yellow spot in the middle.
Carapace light brown or light grey.
Legs and palps clearly light-dark annulated.

Male 13.5 to 14.5 mm.
Markings and colours almost identical to the female.

Habitat

Mainly on rock walls.

Distribution

Occurs in the southern part of Europe, but not common.

Period

Summer.