Wasp spider
Argiope bruennichi
15,5 mmAdult female
Body length
Body length
od przodu głowotułowia do końca odwłoka · bez nóg, nogogłaszczków i wysuniętych szczękoczułkówMeasurement: side
Wasp spider — size comparison
The wasp spider inhabits open areas of Europe and other Palaearctic regions. The large female is easiest to notice among grasses, on meadows, waste ground or su
Silhouette comparison
Length
od przodu głowotułowia do końca odwłoka · bez nóg, nogogłaszczków i wysuniętych szczękoczułkówScale for the stated dimensions · each animal is labelled
Measurement comparisonScale in cm
0246810
15.5 mm
8.56 cm
The scale compares the named dimensions. View direction and measurement points are given for each animal.
Wasp spider — size comparison — facts and sources
The wasp spider inhabits open areas of Europe and other Palaearctic regions. The large female is easiest to notice among grasses, on meadows, waste ground or sunny scrub edges. Her yellow, white and black stripes contrast with a silvery cephalothorax. The much smaller male has far less striking colours.
It usually suspends its web low between plants. It catches insects, including orthopterans, rapidly wrapping them in silk. A pale zigzag band often crosses the centre of the trap. Its role is under study and cannot be reduced to one certain explanation.
Breeding takes place in late summer, and the female places eggs in a large, protected sac. It remains in vegetation through the winter.