Tree-stump Spider - Poltys illepidus

FAMILY ARANEIDAE

This page contains pictures and information about Tree-stump Spiders that we found in the Brisbane area, Queensland, Australia.


Body length 15mm

This is a large web weaving spider with round button shape abdomen which overhangs and covers the head and thorax. The surface of the abdomen has the very rough bark-looking texture, brown in colour. Adult males are small and do not make webs.



This spiders build very large vertical orb web at night. Their web has the spirals spined very close together that it looks like a sheet of silk. They pack-up and consume the web after used, hide on the tree during the day. Obviously, their major target preys are those night flying moths.



We found this spider in a park in Wishart.

Reference:
1. A Guide to Australian Spiders - Densey Clyne, Melbourne, Nelson 1969, p62.
2. Poltys illepidus - The Find-a-spider Guide for Australian Spiders, University of Southern Queensland, 2007.