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
Eriophora edax
-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)
-Genus Eriophora
-Eriophora edax
Eriophora belongs to a genus of primarily tropical species. Eriophora inhabits open woodland. Where the understory is fairly dense, E. ravilla will make webs in the tree canopy. Despite their intimidating size, they’re little threat to us humans.
Description
• Eriophora edax is a species of orb-weaver spider in the family Araneidae. It has a robust body and a rounded abdomen, with colouration and markings that help it blend into surrounding vegetation. Like other members of its genus, it constructs a circular silk web to capture flying insects. Orb-weavers typically remain near the web while waiting for prey and may retreat into nearby vegetation when disturbed.
Range
• Eriophora edax occurs in the Americas, including Mexico and parts of Central America. It is present in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico.
Habitat
• This spider inhabits vegetated environments such as tropical forest, scrubland, woodland edges and gardens. It builds orb-shaped webs between branches, shrubs and other structures where flying insects are active. Webs may be positioned in shaded or partially open areas, depending on local conditions and prey availability.
Diet
• Eriophora edax is a carnivorous predator that feeds mainly on flying insects and other small arthropods caught in its web. It detects vibrations from trapped prey, then approaches and immobilises the animal before feeding. Like other orb-weavers, it uses digestive fluids to break down prey tissues.