Genus: Nemoscolus  (stone-web spiders)

Life > Eukaryotes > Opisthokonta > Metazoa (animals) > Bilateria > Ecdysozoa > Panarthropoda > Tritocerebra > Arthropoda > Arachnomorpha > Cheliceriformes > Chelicerata > Euchelicerata > Arachnida > Araneae > Araneomorpha > Family: Araneidae

The stoneweb spider is seldom seen as it retreats inside a small conical to helicoid shelter positioned above the centre of its cone-shaped web, which opens downwards onto its horizontal web. The shelter is at the hub of the web and is pulled up and attached to some grass or other vegitation. The common name can be somewhat missleading as the retreat can be constructed with any available particles such as sand, plant matter woven into silk. This retreat will also house the eggs and young.

Species indigenous to southern Africa

There are 6 South African species, all with a body length in the range of 6-11mm.

Text by Norman Larsen ©.