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Black and Yellow Argiope (Argiope aurantia)
Photo#373396
Copyright © 2010
Gerry Bunker
Argiope aurantia
-
Martha's Vineyard, Dukes County, Massachusetts, USA
August 15, 2006
I believe this to be Argiope aurantia. Just need confirmation. Unable to determine sex.
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Contributed by
Gerry Bunker
on 25 February, 2010 - 3:34pm
Last updated 26 February, 2010 - 9:13am
Moved
Moved from
ID Request
. Normally I frass this species because we already have so many in the guide, but I think this one shows an unusual pattern/color variation.
…
Lynette Elliott
, 26 February, 2010 - 8:48am
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Color variation
Color variations in same species of both vertebrates and invertebrates has been well documented on islands vs. mainland populations . Speaking from personal experience with insects such as the cicada I have found many variations in same-species due to both habitat as well island isolated populations.
Not only have variations in species been documented but also in behaviors. Recently a species of Purse web spider has been found on
Tuckernuck Island
off the western tip of Nantucket. It's slightly smaller than its southern Florida counterpart and exhibits different behaviors. Purse web spiders generally make a six inch long tube that extends from a tree, or grass to the ground. The Purse web spiders on Tuckernuck island only make their tub-like webs along the ground.
…
Gerry Bunker
, 26 February, 2010 - 3:55pm
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That's interesting.
I know that temperature variations can cause changes in species (like determining sex) but I don't know if I've heard anyone say that temp. variations are known to cause color variations. I suppose color variations can also be caused by proximity to a molt. Then of course there's the possibility that they are a regional variation caused through breeding. I suppose there are other possibilities that I'm not thinking of as well.
…
Lynette Elliott
, 26 February, 2010 - 4:36pm
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Yes, female aurantia
Males are much smaller. You can find them on the guide page.
…
john and jane balaban
, 25 February, 2010 - 5:22pm
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Certainly resembles
A. aurantia
, although I'll leave it to the spider experts to confirm the species.
Regarding the sex, how big was it? Female Argiopes are considerably larger than males (for aurantia, 14-25mm body length, compared to 5-6mm). The proportions are also different. Yours looks like a female to me.
…
Ken Wolgemuth
, 25 February, 2010 - 5:16pm
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