Buzz
The term 'banana spider' refers to various spider species and genera found worldwide. They are locally named 'banana spiders' due to their banana-like coloration or their habitat on banana trees. Depending on your region, 'banana spider' may refer to the golden orb-weaver, spiders of the Cupiennius genus, the Brazilian wandering spider, or the Hawaiian garden spider.
Steps
Identifying the Golden Orb-Weaver Spider
Observe its coloration. This spider typically features red, yellow, or white shades on its underside, contrasting with a black or dark brown body. Its legs are often striped, covered in fine hairs, and have inward-pointing tips.
Recognize the size. Female golden orb-weaver spiders range from 4 cm to 7.5 cm in length, while males are typically smaller, measuring less than 2.5 cm. These spiders are longer than they are wide, with a leg span that can reach up to 15 cm.
Note distinctive features. Golden orb-weaver spiders often have irregular spots on the underside of their abdomen.
Identify their web. The web of this species is easily recognizable due to its golden or yellowish silk, which is why they are called golden orb-weaver spiders. Their webs can exceed 1 meter in diameter and are often positioned at eye level or higher, commonly found in forests or mangrove areas.
Learn about their habitat. Spiders belonging to the Nephila genus are commonly known as golden orb-weaver spiders, giant wood spiders, or banana spiders. Although they possess mild venom, they are not a major threat to humans as their venom is not particularly potent. These spiders can be found worldwide, including:
- Australia
- Asia
- Africa and Madagascar
- South America
- North America (in the southern United States)
Identifying Cupiennius Spiders
Explore the habitat of Cupiennius spiders. Often referred to as banana spiders, Cupiennius spiders are occasionally found in banana shipments arriving in North America and Europe. However, their native range includes Mexico, parts of South America, and several Caribbean islands.
- Although harmless to humans, these spiders are frequently mistaken for the venomous Phoneutria, also known as the Brazilian wandering spider.
Understand their size. The smallest species in this genus measure around 0.5 cm, while larger females can grow up to 4 cm. Despite being commonly confused with Brazilian wandering spiders, Cupiennius spiders are generally smaller.
Observe their coloration and identifying features. Cupiennius spiders may have bright red hairs on their legs or mouthparts, along with black markings on a white background on the underside of their legs near the body.
Identifying the Brazilian Wandering Spider
Discover the habitat of the Brazilian wandering spider. Spiders of the Phoneutria genus are commonly known as Brazilian wandering spiders or banana spiders. They originate from tropical regions of South America, with some species also found in Central America. Like Cupiennius spiders, they are called banana spiders because they sometimes travel long distances via banana shipments.
- Brazilian wandering spiders are highly venomous and among the most dangerous spiders in the world. However, their bites can be treated with antivenom.
Understand their size. Spiders of the Phoneutria genus can grow up to 5 cm in body length, with a leg span reaching an impressive 12 cm.
Observe their coloration. These spiders are typically brown and covered in dense hair. They are often mistaken for Cupiennius spiders due to the presence of red hairs around their mouthparts, but they may also have a distinctive black marking on their abdomen.
Identify their unique behavior. Brazilian wandering spiders frequently raise their front two legs and sway them from side to side as part of their defensive posture.
Identifying the Hawaiian Garden Spider
Explore the habitat of the Hawaiian garden spider. The species Argiope appensa, commonly known as the Hawaiian garden spider, originates from Taiwan and Guam but is also frequently found in Hawaii and New Guinea. These spiders are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans.
Recognizing their web. The Hawaiian garden spider's web stands out due to its unique zigzag pattern, woven with thick silk strands.
Understanding their size. This species is relatively large, with body lengths exceeding 5 cm.
Noting their coloration and distinctive features. Often referred to as the banana spider due to its yellow hue, the Hawaiian garden spider is also recognizable by the star-shaped marking on its abdomen.
