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The leaf-curling spider is commonly found
throughout southern Australia in open woodland and forest habitats
as well as urban gardens. It normally uses a leaf in the centre of
the web for protection, mainly from birds, but many other objects
may be used as a shelter in the web including snail shells and old
bus tickets. Large numbers of this spider may occur in a localised
area; however, unlike the spiny spider, all webs are solitary. Food
consists mainly of flying insects. Egg sacs are placed inside a
folded leaf suspended some distance outside the main web.
The Male is similar to the female.
Female: Cephalothorax and legs red-brown.
Abdomen with an irregular creamy yellow chevroned pattern on the
upperside. Stout, oval-shaped abdomen with
slender, long legs.
Body Length: Male:
5mm, Female:
8mm
Web type:
Orb web with curled leaf or other retreat placed in the centre.
Bite:
Bites from this spider are rare but may cause local reaction,
including localised pain and swelling.
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