Argiope (spider)

Argiope
Temporal range: Neogene–present
A. flavipalpis on web with stabilimentum
in Ghana
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Araneidae
Genus: Argiope
Audouin, 1826[1]
Type species
Aranea lobata
Pallas, 1772[1]
Species

88, see text.

Synonyms[1]
  • Austrargiope
  • Brachygea
  • Chaetargiope
  • Coganargiope
  • Heterargiope

The genus Argiope includes rather large spiders that often have a strikingly coloured abdomen. These spiders are distributed throughout the world. Most countries in tropical or temperate climates host one or more species that are similar in appearance. The etymology of Argiope is from a Latin word argentum meaning silver.[2] The carapace of Argiope species is typically covered in silvery hairs, and when crawling in the sun, they reflect it in a way that gives them a metallic, white appearance.[3]

  1. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference NMBE was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Whyte, Robert; Anderson, Greg (2017). A Field Guide to Spiders of Australia. Clayton South, Vic.: CSIRO Publishing. p. 80. ISBN 9780643107076.
  3. ^ Hammond, George. "Argiope aurantia". Animal Diversity Web. Retrieved 2022-09-07.