Facts about Banana Spiders (Golden Orb Spiders)
67The banana spider is also known as the golden silk orb weaver, the golden orb spider, the golden orb weaving spider, the golden orb weaver, writing spider, or giant wood spider. It is typically a black and yellow spider with stripy legs, although they can vary in color from reddish to greenish yellow. Banana spiders are famous for the brightly colored and intricate webs that they build. They grow up to about 2 inches in size with the female bigger than the male (the biggest banana spider ever known was a 2.7 inch female found in Australia). After mating, the female normally eats the male. One of the most fascinating facts about banana spiders is that they belong to an extremely old species, with a 165 million years old fossil discovery making them the oldest surviving spider genus.
Where do banana spiders live?
There are species of banana spider in Africa (including Madagascar), Asia, Australia and the United States of America. The US banana spider species is called Nephila clavipes and can generally be found in the southeastern states, appearing as far north as North Carolina and as far west as Texas.
Banana spider webs
It is the silk of the banana spider web that gives the spider its golden orb name. The silk appears golden when it shines in the sun. The webs of banana spiders are extremely complex and can be as wide as one meter across. The spider starts by building a non-sticky spiral and then fills in the gaps with sticky silk. The banana spider can vary the color of the web to maximize its effectiveness in terms of background light and color. The spider web needs daily maintenance in order to keep it effective for ensnaring prey.
Are banana spiders poisonous?
The answer is yes, but only mildly. The banana spider venom is similar to that of a black widow spider, but the poison is nowhere near as strong and isn’t fatal. It usually causes redness, pain around the bite and blisters, which normally go away after a day or so. Allergic reactions to the venom are rare, but may cause breathing problems and muscle cramps.
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thx very helpful.
awesome
what do banana spiders eat ?
plz respond a.s.a.p i need to know this now
Generally they eat various insects that fly into the web, such as flies, bees, wasps, moths. They have been known to eat small birds, however.
Loved the hub, although it left me slightly confused. In Okinawa, a tropical island south of mainland Japan, I saw spiders almost 5 inches across that everyone called "banana spiders," does the 2 inches refer to their main body, or are legs included?
The one's in the jungles on Okinawa looked darker and their abdomen was more angular, but the web was still rather large (I managed to see several up close; I almost walked face first into one) and golden.
i'm scared of them.aaaaaaaaa!
Thanks much,southwest fl.
GPSWorldTraveler 12 months ago
Enjoyed reading about Banana Spiders... thank you for writing it, very informative. They look beautiful and the web must be amazing, however, I am glad they do not reside where I live :)