Insect or Invertebrates Identification

[Richprins]

[Klipspringer]

This is the Red dot hairy field spider, Neoscona triangula.

Now here the extra question: What is the purpose of the conspicuous orange markings on the underside of the abdomen?

Clue: Consider the lifestyle of this species and what it does at night and during the day!

[Richprins]

It signals danger!

[Klipspringer]

It is not a dangerous spider

[Richprins]

Something to do with spinning a web?

[Klipspringer]

The red/orange spots are just markings (not organs) and your first idea with signalling is not too bad!

Here some info on the spider's lifestyle

Neoscona.jpg (114.86 KiB) Viewed 173 times

During the day the markings are hidden because the spider will rest in a bush in camo!

But at night ....

[Richprins]

Mating!

[Klipspringer]

No, pre-mating communication is done via vibrations - these spiders don't have colour vision and can't see these markings.

What else does the spider at night?

[Richprins]

Hunting?

[Klipspringer]

How does she hunt?