Golden Orb Weaver spider - male approaches a female

Golden Orb Weaver spider - male approaches a female from above, hoping to mate with her. (Nephila plumipes). Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. His swollen black pedipalps contain a sperm bundle transferred from his reproductive organs; this is rapidly injected into the female's body before a hasty retreat. After mating the female often eats the male, therefore he is careful in his approach and departure. The spider is named for the golden colour of the web and egg-sac constructed by the female

Approaches Arachnid Arachnids Cobweb Cobwebs Dimorphism Hoping Mate Nephila Sexual Spiders Weaver Webs

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