More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
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Spiders of Zihuatanejo
ORDER ARANEAE
Butterfly Orbweaver
Araneus pegnia
-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)
-Chelicerates Subphylum Chelicerata
-Typical Spiders (Suborder Araneomorphae)
-Entelegyne Spiders (Infraorder Entelegynae)
-Orbweavers and Allies (Superfamily Araneoidea)
-Orbweavers (Family Araneidae)
-Typical Orbweavers (Subfamily Araneinae)
-Angulate and Roundshouldered Orbweavers (Genus Araneus)
-Butterfly Orbweaver (Araneus pegnia)
Araneus pegnia is a species of orb-weaving spiders belonging to the family Araneidae. Members of this genus are known for their intricate, circular orb webs. These spiders are typically found in gardens, forests, and grasslands, where they spin large, symmetrical webs to capture flying insects. Araneus spiders are mostly nocturnal, rebuilding their webs each evening and often retreating to a nearby hiding spot during the day.
Description
• Araneus pegnia is a species of orb-weaver spider in the family Araneidae. Like other members of its genus, it has eight legs, a relatively small cephalothorax and a rounded abdomen, with colouration and markings that provide camouflage among vegetation. Orb-weavers produce silk webs, typically arranged in a circular pattern, to capture flying insects.
Range
• Araneus pegnia is recorded in the Americas, including Mexico. It is present in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico.
Habitat
• This spider inhabits terrestrial environments where vegetation provides suitable sites for web construction. It may be found in gardens, scrub, woodland edges and other areas with shrubs or plants that offer anchor points for its web. Like many orb-weavers, it may remain near its web during periods of insect activity and shelter in nearby vegetation at other times.
Diet
• Araneus pegnia is a predator that feeds primarily on small flying insects and other arthropods caught in its web. Captured prey is immobilised with a bite and consumed after digestive fluids break down its tissues.