Mediumwing Kitespider

Gasteracantha versicolor

"Gasteracantha versicolor", known as the long-winged kite spider, is a species of diurnal spiny orb-weaver of the family Araneidae. It is found in the tropics and sub-tropics, where it occurs in forests. It has an extensive range, from central, east and southern Africa to Madagascar.
Gasteracantha versicolor Gasteracantha is a comon spider spieces you can find in Ranomafana rain forest, Madagascar. this one is one of the biggest I have seen, more than 1 cm long. you can find them especially in clear space with continuous air flow and good amount of humidity. Gasteracantha versicolor,Geotagged,Madagascar,Spring

Appearance

The female is 8 to 10 mm long, with a large, glossy and brightly coloured abdomen, like others of their genus. The hardened abdomen projects over the cephalothorax and has six peripheral spines, with the lateral pair medium to long and slightly recurved in this species. Males are much smaller, less colourful and lack the thorny abdominal projections.
Madagascar Spiny orb-weaver (Gasteracantha versicolor formosa) A very odd-looking spider hanging across a pond near Andasibe, Madagascar. I had to use the 500mm to "reach" it. Andasibe,Gasteracantha versicolor,Madagascar,Spiders

Behavior

The web has densely spaced radii and an open hub, and may be placed from near ground level to several meters up. Their venom is not known to be dangerous to man.

References:

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Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionArthropoda
ClassArachnida
OrderAraneae
FamilyAraneidae
GenusGasteracantha
SpeciesG. versicolor
Photographed in
Madagascar