Leviaraneus viridiventris, commonly known as the green-bellied orb-weaver, is notable for its vibrant green abdomen which aids in camouflage among foliage. This spider belongs to the orb-weaver family, which is renowned for their wheel-shaped webs.
Orbweavers
Leviaraneus viridiventris
Classification
KINGDOM
:
Animalia
PHYLUM
:
Arthropoda
CLASS
:
Arachnida
ORDER
:
Araneae
FAMILY
:
Araneidae
GENUS
:
Leviaraneus
SPECIES
:
Leviaraneus viridiventris
Other Information
Venomous?
This species produces venom that is effective against its prey but is generally harmless to humans. Bites might cause mild irritation or localized pain but are not medically significant.
A Danger to Humans?
The green-bellied orb-weaver poses little to no threat to humans. They are non-aggressive and will typically retreat or play dead when threatened.
Population Status
The population status of Leviaraneus viridiventris is not well-documented, but they do not currently appear on any endangered lists, suggesting a stable population in suitable environments.
Orbweavers (Leviaraneus viridiventris), Photo by David Lowenthal
Life Span:
These spiders typically live about one year, often dying after reproduction. Some may live longer in captivity.
Weight and Length:
Being small spiders, they weigh only a fraction of a gram. Females usually measure around 10-15 mm in body length, while males are slightly smaller.
Distribution:
Leviaraneus viridiventris is primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions, thriving in dense vegetative areas that support their web-building activities.
Habits and Lifestyle:
These spiders are solitary, nocturnal creatures. They spend the day hidden in plant debris or under leaves, coming out at night to rebuild or repair their webs and hunt.
Diet and Nutrition:
Their diet consists mainly of flying insects such as flies, mosquitoes, and small moths. They capture their prey in their intricately woven webs.
Mating Habits:
Mating usually occurs in the cooler months. Males perform a careful approach to avoid being mistaken for prey, often plucking at the web to signal their presence. After mating, females typically lay eggs and create a silk sac to protect them, often dying naturally shortly thereafter.