Lavenderi's Marsh Spider

Leucauge lavenderi

Members of this Leucauge are recognised by the bright colours on their elongated abdomens. They build orb webs, usually near water or in shaded damp areas. They are active during the day hanging head down on their webs. There are nine species known in South Africa and are generally referred to as Silver Marsh Spiders.

Listed under Tetragnathidae however according to Biodiversity Explorer Leucauge is now listed under Nephilidae. As this is cannot be confirmed, this remains under Tetragnathidae
Silver Marsh Spider Tetragnathidae Leucauginae I found three of these little beauties outside the house today ranging in size from about 20 - 30mm. Unfortunately I was unable to see the other side as the webs were against a retaining wall. if they are still there tomorrow I can see if they have moved. Or in hindsight, I shall use a mirror! Geotagged,Lavenderi's Marsh Spider,Leucauge lavenderi,South Africa,Spiders,lavenderi's vlei spiders also known as Silver marsh spiders

Appearance

Both male and female approximately 8-11mm, carapace is shiny, yellow brown, dark around the edge, medially and eye region. Abdomen is elongated , short posterior tip with dark patches, dorsally with dark heart mark and broad silver stripes on both sides tinted with red bands, abdomen ventrally with broad green band edged with yellow and red. Legs are same colour as carapace.
Just hanging in there Silver marsh spider (the largest I have ever seen), takes refuge from the wind and the crazy woman with a camera. Geotagged,Lavenderi's Marsh Spider,Leucauge lavenderi,South Africa,Spring,arachnids,leucauge,silver marsh spiders,south africa,spiders,vlei spiders

Naming

Kalczynski 1901
Silver Marsh Spider (top view) The best ID I can get on this now is the Festive marsh Spider Geotagged,Lavenderi's Marsh Spider,Leucauge lavenderi,South Africa,south africa,spiders

Distribution

East and South of South Africa

Status

Not known

Habitat

Usually near water

References:

Some text fragments are auto parsed from Wikipedia.

Field guide to the Spiders of Southern Africa - Ansie Dippenaar-Schoeman
Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionArthropoda
ClassArachnida
OrderAraneae
FamilyTetragnathidae
GenusLeucauge
SpeciesLeucauge lavenderi
Photographed in
South Africa