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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Chelicerates (Chelicerata) » Arachnids (Arachnida) » Spiders (Araneae) » True Spiders (Araneomorphae) » Entelegynae » Orb Weavers (Araneidae) » Araneus » Cat-Faced Spider (Araneus gemmoides)
Photo#678123
Cat Face Spider - Araneus gemmoides - Araneus gemmoides - female
Copyright © 2012 veggietoo

Cat Face Spider - Araneus gemmoides - Araneus gemmoides - Female
Kootenai National Forest, NW Montana, Lincoln County, Montana, USA
July 21, 2012
Found in the corner of an exterior window. This spider just molted today. Seems to be an egg sack nearby, so I'm assuming it is a female. The unusual feature is the "horned-shaped" abdomen. It curls up, wrapping it's legs around it's body, making photos a challenge. In a second photo you can see a small "appendage" that suddenly appeared as I was taking photos...? As always, thanks SO much for everyone's help!!

Images of this individual: tag all
Cat Face Spider - Araneus gemmoides - Araneus gemmoides - female unknown Orb Weaver spider - Araneus gemmoides - female
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Contributed by veggietoo on 22 July, 2012 - 5:09pm
Last updated 23 July, 2012 - 9:47am

Moved to Araneus gemmoides
Moved from ID Request.

That thing in the other image is probably something from the molting process is my guess.
… Lynette Elliott, 23 July, 2012 - 9:47am login or register to post comments

 
see other photo
Hello! And thanks so much!! I posted a comment on the other photo, so won't repeat. :) Need an even better macro-lens...AND for Ms. Cat Face to come out of her corner. Evidently playing it safe while she hardens, as she's cuddled in her corner. Much appreciated!
… veggietoo, 23 July, 2012 - 5:27pm login or register to post comments

Cat-Faced?
Araneus gemmoides?
… john and jane balaban, 22 July, 2012 - 5:14pm login or register to post comments

 
THANKS!
That does look like it! One of the images I just viewed of "Cat Face Spider - Araneus gemmoides" was taken not far from my location, so that seems to really tie in! Thank you SO much! I love solved mysteries!!! Now I know how to greet it...Hello Cat Face! :)
… veggietoo, 22 July, 2012 - 5:36pm login or register to post comments

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