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Wraparound Spider Front View - Dolophones turrigera
The upper surface of the abdomen has a turret more or less in the centre. The upper abdominal surface features round plates, each with a slit or line in the middle. The overall colour and appearance of this spider provides excellent camouflage when it is resting on a dead twig.
http://www.arachne.org.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=2011
Dolophones turrigera is a wraparound spider in the family Araneidae. They hide in the day and make a web at night. The female when adult is 8 mm, the male 4-5 mm.
Similar species: Spiders
By Calbost Niel
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Uploaded Jan 25, 2021. Captured Jan 25, 2021 13:52 in 58-82 Terrace Falls Rd, Hazelbrook NSW 2779, Australia.
comments (11)
Oddly flattened, spread out, and sort of "splat-shaped"! The Wrap-around Spider (Dolophones turrigera), found in Australia, has the ideal shape and coloration to wrap itself around a twig and blend into its environment. Its obvious camouflage (called mimesis) is perfected by its concave underbelly, which explains how it is able to adhere so well to tree branches.
These spiders hide during the day, and build large, vertical webs at night. Further adding to their stealth, they cut down their webs at the end of each night and recycle the silk. Thus, they leave no trace and increase their odds of staying concealed from predators. Their fascinating design and behavior truly makes them a creature to be admired! {Spotted in NSW, Australia by Calbost}
Check out Niel's other fantastic Aussie photos: https://www.jungledragon.com/user/4568/popular
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Posted 4 years ago