There are at least 2 species of spiders with the common name Magnificent spider. The Bolas spider is one of them. The female is 12 mm long while the male is 2 mm. The Magnificent spider is also known as the Angler spider.
This spider is part of a family (the Mastophoreae) within the orb-weaving spider family (Araneidae) that no longer build an orb web, but instead attract their prey of male moths by chemical mimicry.
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Habitat:
The Odgarius Magnificus is found in N.S.W., Qld, Tasmania, South Australia and Victoria. At daytime, it retreats to a home made of leaves bound together with silk. They live in the foliage of native trees and shrubs such as eucalyptus, which are usually a few metres from the ground. The Magnificent spider has adapted well to urban situations.
Appearance:
The female measures up to 14mm long (25mm when pregnant) and the male is hardly able to be seen at a mere 1.5-2mm. The species is basically white, except for its abdomen which has two small, bright nodules and numerous tiny salmon coloured star-shaped patterns. The body and limbs are covered with lots of fine hairs that are particularly long on its forelegs.
Prey:
The female Magnificent Spider has a special scent to attract male moths. Once the Moth is within “fishing range” it throws the sticky thread. The bolas is a sticky ball of glue and silk attached to the end of the silk thread.
Breeding:
The Magnificent orb weaver produces about 6-7 long papery egg sacs. The egg sacs will always be near the female. These take around 3 months to hatch. When they hatch, the female never leaves her young alone. Even at hunting time.
Venom:
There has been no bites recorded from this spider. Generally, orb weavers are harmless for humans and pets.
by Will
Bibliography:
Spider watch: A guide to Australian spiders, by Bert Brunet.
The Puffin Book of Australian spiders, by Helen Hunt.
Google: Australian spiders
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