Longtailed Orb-weaving Spider

Alice Springs Desert Park

Longtailed Orb-weaving SpiderLongtailed Orb-weaving Spider with Prey

ASDP ArachnidaAustralian Golden Orb-Weaving Spider Banded Garden Spider Desert Scorpion Green Lynx Spider Longtailed Orb-weaving Spider Three-pointed Novakiella Wrap-around Spider

Alice Springs Desert ParkFauna Flora Nature Theatre Nocturnal House

The Longtailed Orb-weaving Spider (Argiope protensa), has a number of other common names in Australia, including Tear Drop Spider, Elongated St. Andrews Cross Spider, Longtailed Orb-weaving Spider and Tailed Forest Spider.

It is a distinctive spider with the elongated and often pointed abdomen. The upper abdomen (dorsal view) can be varied across this species, but all appear to have the dark bands across the legs in the mature adult.

The immature Longtailed Orb-weaving Spider have a more slightly rounded point that is also sometimes seen with a slight upturned abdominal end.

They are usually found in their fragile almost circular shaped web strung across low vegetation, such as spinifex (as pictured here). Some webs will display a visible stabilimentum, although this is not in the form of the X shape like other St Andrew’s Cross spiders.

The underside (ventral view) of the Argiope protensa, is quite striking often more colourfully patterned.

Longtailed Orb-weaving Spider (Argiope protensa), Alice Springs Desert Park NT — Longtailed Orb-weaving Spider (*Argiope protensa*), Alice Springs Desert Park NT

A stroll through the Alice Springs Desert Park will take you through the different desert environments. It is home to many different spiders, so keep your eyes peeled as you walk through the park.