EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

An Arrow Spider

Spiny Orbweaver (Micrathena cf. sagittata), Family Araneidae
Bali, Indonesia

Explanation:  This most unusual-appearing spider has a purpose.  Its spines serve as a direct anti-predator device, and also to help break up the body outline so it is not as obvious to predators.  And also its bright coloration caught my eye and deterred me from running into its web as I was exploring a deep river gorge in southern Bali, Indonesia.  

This spider belongs to the Spiny Orbweaver genus of Micrathena, which has well over a hundred identified species, most of them in the tropics.  I am unsure which species this is, but it resembles Micrathena sagittata, commonly known as Arrow-shaped Micrathena; thus my title for this week's EPOW entry, "An Arrow Spider."  

Spiny Orbweavers -- also known from the United States -- have been known to provide a useful service to people, by reducing undesirable flying insects and leafhoppers that otherwise unduly feed on plants.  

So ... Micrathena ... ?  One source suggests that this name derives from the Greek "micro" and the Greek goddess Athena ... a tiny goddess.  

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Note:  Yes, there was a 2-week hiatus since the previous EPOW entry.  Apologies.