Spider-wasp: a short description

Spider-wasp - a fairly common and extremely interesting representative of the class of arachnids (arachnids). This class has a very wide range of habitats. Arachnids are common in the territories of Europe and northern Africa, also found in South Asia. Representatives of this kind can be found in the eastern states, in particular Japan and China. As for Russia, this species of spiders lives only in the southern part of the country.

It is interesting that the spider-wasp prefers to live in the territory of meadows and forest edges. Sometimes this representative of the animal world can be found at the side of the road.

Spider-wasp: a brief description

This creation in science is known under the name Angiopa Brunnich. It's interesting that the species received its name in honor of the famous mineralogist and zoologist from Denmark - Morten Trane Brunnich. Some scientists have proposed the name "spider-zebra", since the body of such a spider is distinguished by a very characteristic, striped coloration. Nevertheless, the prefix "wasp" has got accustomed faster.

The representatives of this species are not too large and very characteristic in color - their abdomen has an interesting pattern of yellow, white and black alternating bands. This coloring is somewhat reminiscent of wasps, and this has made the name "spider-wasp" so popular.

On the back, individuals have a dense shield of silvery color. The cephalothorax of such a spider is covered with hairs with the same silvery coloration. By the way, the limbs of the insect also have expressive light and dark rings. And along the edges of the abdomen, there are six distinct notches, painted in different colors, ranging from dark shades to bright yellow and even orange.

Interestingly, this species of spiders is very clearly visible sexual dimorphism. Females of this genus are rather large - their size is about 25 mm, and with straightened limbs and all four centimeters. Abdomen with a bright color.

At the same time, males have much smaller sizes - the length of their abdomen is only seven millimeters. Color is not striking.

Spider-wasp: method of feeding

Representatives of this group are feeding as well as all the arachnids. Spider-wasp wove a thin, nimble network (web) with a characteristic zig-zag pattern. As a rule, insects weave the web in twilight time. It is interesting that to create a full-fledged network hunter stretched between plants, a spider needs only an hour.

As already mentioned, the web is very characteristic and consists of fine threads. In the center is located the so-called stabilizingum - a thick thread, which forms a zigzag pattern. It is here that the spider-wasp waits for its prey. Representatives of this group of spiders prey on oas and grasshoppers, less often on other insects. After the extraction falls into the trap network, the spider immobilizes it and injects into the body a liquid rich in herbal enzymes. Enzymes actively digest the internal organs of the insect - they feed on the spider.

Spider-wasp: reproduction

Mating spiders occurs immediately after the first molt. After fertilization, the female eats the male. About a month later, females lay between 300 and 400 eggs - for this, either one or several cocoons are formed.

Young individuals appear from eggs in the autumn months, but until May stay in a cocoon. The female dies only after it has built several (more rarely one) egg cocoons.

Spider-poison was poisonous?

This question interests many. After all, the large size of the female and the bright color of the body of the insect suggest that the spider-isp is poisonous. Nevertheless, this statement is incorrect. Representatives of this group of arachnids are not dangerous for human health. Sometimes, at the site of a bite, the skin may become red, inflame. In some cases, swelling can occur at the wound site, accompanied by a mild pain syndrome. But do not worry - the bite of this spider is not dangerous to human health.