In the U.S., the species is called Nephila clavipes and can generally be found in the southeastern states, appearing as far north as North Carolina and as far west as Texas. They grow up to about two inches in size (not including leg span). If you do include leg span, however, some species of the spider can be measured at over five inches in size. Female banana spiders are larger than males. The biggest banana spider ever known was a 2.7 inch female found in Australia). The female of the species is the biggest spider in Florida to be found.
The yellow silk of the banana spider's web gives the golden orb its name. The silk appears golden when it shines in the sun and the webs are extremely complex. They can be as wide as one meter across.
The yellow coloring serves two main purposes, according to scientists: First, the sunlit web attracts and traps bees that are drawn to the bright silk strands. Second, the color blends in with background foliage, acting as camouflage in darker and shadier conditions.
The spider starts by building a non-sticky spiral and then fills in the gaps with sticky silk. The banana spider can vary the color of the web to maximize its effectiveness in terms of background light and color. The web needs regular maintenance in order to keep it effective for ensnaring prey.Are these spiders venomous? The short answer is yes, but only mildly. The venom is similar to that of a black widow spider, but nowhere near as strong and not fatal under normal circumstances. A bite will typically cause symptoms such as redness, blisters and pain around the bite. These symptoms will normally go away after a day or so.
Banana spiders molt in several stages. About four days before reaching her final molt, a female stops eating and repairing her web. She is sexually active at this point. When a male approaches her for copulation, he vibrates his abdomen using a plucking motion. This activity arouses the female and prevents her from eating him (at that point).
Once inseminated, the female spins at least two large (about an inch in diameter) egg sacs on a tree. These sacs each hold hundreds of eggs and are surrounded by curly, yellow silk. The male guards her as she does this. After the final molt, females can live up to a month, while males live from two to three weeks.
Females may change male partners throughout adulthood. Banana spiders have one generation per year in North America.
A. Their ? is similar to a Black Widow. B. Banana Spider bites will go away after how many days? C. In the U.S., the species is called ? Clavipes. D. The biggest banana spider ever known was a 2.7 inch female and found in ? E. Females may change male partners throughout ? F. How many spiderwebs do you think Geocachers like walking into?
You can validate your puzzle solution with certitude.