Phonognatha graeffei (Leaf-curling Spider)

Gold Coast Spiders > Spider Index

Phonognatha graeffei, is a member of the orb-weavers group (family Araneidae), and commonly known as the Leaf-curling Spider. Found in the woodlands and urban areas of the north-eastern, eastern and southern states, it is known for the curled leaf at the centre of its web, in which the spider shelters.

The leaves are twisted along their length to form a funnel (sometimes with a silk wall on one side) that allows the spider to retreat into. There are observations that this species have also used old snail shells and discarded pieces of paper for their shelter.

The web itself is about 30 cm in diameter and is an incomplete circle, being open at the top and fanning downwards. The spider uses supporting threads to suspend its curled-up dry leaf. The the fan-like web radiate out from the leaf in which the spider hides, awaiting any vibrations of insects touching the web. The spider will usually repair or rebuild their web at night.

The male and female of this species of spider live together in the same leaf, although it is at opposite ends of their leaf shelter. After mating, the female creates a separate curled leaf “nursery” hung in nearby foliage.

The males and females of the species are very similar, red-brown legs and body and a cream coloured pattern on their backs. They have a body shape that is fat and oval, with long tapered legs. The male is 5 to 6 mm in body length, whilst the female is 8 to 12 mm.