Nephila pilipes
Araneae / Family: Nephilidae
- Total length
- Male 7-10mm, Female 35-50mm
- Range
- The Ryukyu Islands (south of Amami-Oshima)
It spins large webs, 1 to 1.5 m in diameter, between trees, buildings, and other structures, trapping insects and occasionally even birds. In the diorama, it is waiting for its prey to get caught in the web.
Its body shield (carapace) is black and covered with pale yellow hairs. The abdomen typically has yellow horizontal stripes at the front, with a pair of vertical lines running towards the back, though some individuals are entirely black or have a reddish hue.
This spider produces one generation per year, with adult spiders appearing from June to November. Dewdrop spiders are often found parasitically residing in their webs.
Habitat of This Animal:
B:Forest along the mountain ridge - B1:Forest near the settlement
Most of the forests in Tokunoshima Island are secondary forests that were once cleared in the past. Especially near the settlements, there are forests that have become well-lit thanks to recent pruning. Remains of paths, charcoal kilns, and fields form a reminder of the relationship between people and nature. Such forests accessible from settlements are inhabited by many living creatures fond of the well-lit environment.
This B1:Forest near the settlement