Enoplognatha ovata
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Enoplognatha ovata | |
|---|---|
 | |
| female | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Arachnida |
| Order: | Araneae |
| Suborder: | Araneomorphae |
| Family: | Theridiidae |
| Genus: | Enoplognatha |
| Species: | E. ovata |
| Binomial name | |
| Enoplognatha ovata (Clerck, 1757) | |
Enoplognatha ovata is a species of spider belonging to the family Theridiidae. It is native to Europe and has also been introduced to North America.
This spider, reaching a length of 6 mm (excluding legs), has translucent legs and the globular abdomen is extremely variable in colour and pattern: the background colour is white, cream or green and can be marked with a row of dark spots, a broad red stripe or with two red stripes in a v-shape. Despite its small size, this is a formidable predator which can prey on insects many times its size. The female deposits its eggs in a grey sac. This is secreted within a rolled-up leaf fastened with silk and the female guards it until the eggs hatch.
Female Enoplognatha ovate with a red V on a kale plant in a garden in Kirkland, Washington, USA.
References
- Preston-Mafham, Ken (1998). Spiders: Compact Study Guide and Identifier. Angus Books. ISBN 978-1-904594-93-2.
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