Small Cross Spider Argiope picta L. Koch, 1871
Fauna Portal species: 6633
Diagnosis
(after Levi 1983): This species can be confused with A. aetherea. Females differ by the distinct dorsal markings and the shieldshaped abdomen. The sternum is not as bright orange as that of A. aetherea. The epigynum is very similar to that of A. aetherea and quite difficult to separate consistently. Within the depression, the lateral edges of the posterior plate which form the anterior lip of the opening end closer to the midline, and the rim is thicker than in A. aetherea. The male differs from that of A. aetherea in having the spur at the very tip of the median apophysis in mesal view; in A. aetherea the spur is on the "upper" margin in mesal view.
Status
- native
Linnean Syntype(s)
Australia
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- Western Australia
Neighbouring Countries
- Papua New Guinea
Fauna Portal Records
The map shows all records that have been verified as part of the Fauna Portal project and may not represent the true distribution of a species. Specifically, for described species, check the link to the Atlas of Living Australia on this page for potential wider distributions. Fauna Portal Reference specimens and Linnean types are shown in red. If you identified a specimen that exceeds the distribution of an undescribed species as illustrated here, please contact the Fauna Portal team who can assist with the lodgement of the specimen in a public institution and display on the map.
Similar Species
Publications
(1983): The orb-weaver genera Argiope, Gea, and Neogea from the western Pacific region (Araneae: Araneidae, Argiopinae).. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology. 150: 247 - 338