Giant Northern Golden Orb-Weaver Spider (Nephila maculata)
Published May 21, 2012 | A bird eating spider sometimes known as Nephila pilipes. This specimen was found on the island in the Conservation Area and is sometimes seen as far south as Coffs Harbour. Primarily a tropical spider but occasionally found in rainforests of southern Queensland. Image taken of a large female spider with a leg span of 15cm. These spiders are not aggressive and non-venomous. A new species for the Conservation Area.
I.D. courtesy of Martyn Robinson. Naturalist. Australian Museum.
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This is a bird-eating spider… small birds? or big mouth? or both? Does it only eat birds? or supplement with veg? 15 cm leg span is approx 6 inches so quite a big unit?
Just brave I guess. How they deal with the feathers using just two front fangs is the question?