Green Orb Weaver Araniella cucurbitina/opisthographa

The Green Orb Weaver spider, like other orb weavers, constructs a 2 dimensional round silk web. It is also called the Cucumber Spider because of its appearance. This Cucumber name is more often applied to A. cucurbitina, whose taxonomic name means cucumbers, but is also used for the almost identical A. opisthographa species.

The eyes and the series of dark spots on the body. Both species are prevalent in northern Europe between April and September, in similar habitats (trees, bushes, low growth, gardens) and often together (hybrids also occur).

Green and pink camouflage. Females grow to 8mmm long and males to 5mm.

Above are A. cucurbitina, a male on the left with small body, banded legs and clubbed palps. A. opisthographa looks similar but has 5 dark spots along its side rather than the 1-4 of A. cucurbitina.

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