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
Spined Micrathena
Micrathena gracilis
-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)
-Chelicerates Subphylum Chelicerata
-Typical Spiders (Suborder Araneomorphae)
-Entelegyne Spiders (Infraorder Entelegynae)
-Orbweavers and Allies (Superfamily Araneoidea)
-Orbweavers (Family Araneidae)
-Subfamily Micratheninae
-Micrathena Spiders (Genus Micrathena)
-Spined Micrathena (Micrathena gracilis)
The pointed ridges on the abdomen of the female spider are believed to render less appealing to eat to predators. The spines presumably hurt the mouth of the predator, making the Spined Micrathena Spider not worth the meal. The black, brown, and white coloration may act as camouflage since this species resides in dense forests where specks of light may be all that gets through to the forest floor. That said, colors vary slightly per individual. Some are very brown; others are only black and white.
Description
• Micrathena gracilis is a species of spiny orb-weaver spider in the family Araneidae. Females have a distinctive elongated abdomen with prominent spines and contrasting dark and pale markings, while males are smaller and less conspicuous. Like other members of Micrathena, it builds a circular orb web among vegetation to capture flying insects.
Range
• Micrathena gracilis is recorded in eastern North America and has also been observed in Mexico, including Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, and the surrounding area.
Habitat
• This spider inhabits wooded areas, forest edges, gardens, and places with abundant shrubs and understory vegetation. It suspends its web among leaves and branches where flying insects are likely to pass.
Diet
• Micrathena gracilis feeds on small flying insects and other arthropods caught in its web, including flies and mosquitoes. It uses silk to restrain captured prey before feeding.