Identification
Physical Characteristics
Size: Females are significantly larger, with a body length of 23-40mm. Males are diminutive in comparison, measuring only 5-7mm.
Coloration: Females typically have a silvery-grey to brownish carapace and a dark, elongated abdomen with variable patterns of yellow or white spots. Her legs are long and black with distinct yellow or brown bands at the joints. Males are much smaller and less conspicuous, usually brown to reddish-brown.
Key Features: The most prominent feature is the immense, strong web made of golden-colored silk. The significant size difference between the large female and tiny male is also a key identifier.
Biology & Lifecycle
Development & Reproduction
Reproduction Rate: Females typically produce 1-3 egg sacs per season, with each sac containing from 300 to over 1000 eggs, depending on the female's size and health.
Lifecycle Details
Egg Stage
After mating in late summer or autumn, the female produces one or more large, silken egg sacs, which are typically greenish-yellow and filled with several hundred eggs. She hides the sac in surrounding vegetation, often camouflaged with leaves and debris. The eggs develop over several weeks to months, often overwintering.
Larval Stage
This stage, more accurately termed the 'spiderling' stage, begins upon hatching. The spiderlings emerge from the egg sac, often in spring, and may remain clustered together for a short period. They are tiny replicas of the adults but lack their full colouration. Their primary activity is dispersal, a process known as 'ballooning,' where they release a silk thread to catch the wind and travel to new locations.
Pupal Stage
Spiders do not undergo a pupal stage. Instead, they grow through a series of moults, shedding their exoskeleton periodically to increase in size. This process is known as incomplete metamorphosis.
Adult Stage
Adulthood is reached after several moults. Females can live for 1-2 years, continuing to grow with each moult even after reaching maturity. Males have a much shorter lifespan, often dying shortly after mating. Adult females spend their time building and maintaining their large orb webs, capturing prey, and reproducing.
Reproduction Rate
Females typically produce 1-3 egg sacs per season, with each sac containing from 300 to over 1000 eggs, depending on the female's size and health.
Generations Per Year
Typically one generation is produced per year. Eggs laid in autumn hatch the following spring, and the spiders mature through summer.
Development Time
The complete development from egg to mature adult takes approximately one year. Growth rate is heavily influenced by temperature and food availability.
Seasonal Cycle
The annual cycle begins with spiderlings hatching in spring. They grow rapidly during the warm summer months, reaching maturity by late summer. Mating occurs in late summer and autumn, followed by egg-laying. Adult spiders, particularly females, may persist into early winter in warmer climates but typically die off as temperatures drop.
Environmental Factors
Abundant insect prey, supportive structures for web anchoring (like trees and shrubs), and warm, humid weather are the key environmental factors driving population success.
Habitat & Distribution
Preferred Habitats
- Open woodlands and forests with clearings that allow for large web construction.
- Suburban gardens and parks, especially between trees, bushes, or buildings.
- Coastal dunes and heathlands where there is sufficient vegetation.
- Riparian corridors along rivers and creeks.
- Human-modified environments such as orchards and agricultural areas.
Distribution Patterns
Australian Distribution
Commonly found in the eastern and northern states: Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and the Northern Territory. Also present in parts of Western Australia and South Australia.
Climate Zones
- Tropical
- Subtropical
- Temperate
- Mediterranean
Urban vs Rural Distribution
Thrives in both environments. In urban areas, they are common in parks, gardens, and along fences. In rural areas, they are abundant in bushland and forests.
Native Range
Native to Australia.
Introduced Range
Not an introduced species. Various related species of Trichonephila are found throughout the world's tropical and subtropical regions.
Introduction History
Not applicable as the species is native to Australia.
Current Spread
Maintains a stable and widespread distribution across its preferred climate zones in Australia. Its range may be slowly expanding southwards with climate change.
Limiting Factors
Cold temperatures are the primary limiting factor, restricting its year-round presence in colder southern regions of Australia.
Behavior & Diet
Activity Pattern
Primarily diurnal. The female spends most of her time sitting in the hub of her web, waiting for prey. Web maintenance and construction often occur during the early morning or after prey capture.
Dietary Preferences
Feeding Habits
Carnivorous predator, feeding on a wide variety of insects.
Health Risks
Always consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns related to pest exposure.
Disease Transmission
- Not known to transmit any diseases to humans.
Allergens and Respiratory Issues
No significant allergens are associated with this species. However, some individuals may have a minor skin reaction to the bite.
Contamination Risk
Extremely low. As an open-air web-dweller, it rarely comes into contact with food preparation surfaces.
Vulnerable Populations
- Individuals with known allergies to insect or spider bites may experience a more pronounced local reaction.
- Small children, though the risk of a bite is very low.
- Gardeners or bushwalkers who may accidentally walk into a web.
Symptoms of Exposure
- A bite is rare and typically only occurs if the spider is held and pressed against the skin.
- Symptoms are usually mild and localised, including sharp initial pain.
- Redness, slight swelling, and itching around the bite site may occur.
- Systemic symptoms are extremely rare. No fatalities have been recorded.
- In case of a bite, apply a cold pack to relieve pain and swelling. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist or a severe allergic reaction develops.
Transmission Methods
- The only health risk is through a defensive bite, which is a rare occurrence.
Risk Severity
Low. The bite is considered of low risk to humans.
Economic Impact
Treatment Costs
Professional Treatment
$150-$300 for removal of large webs and spiders from difficult-to-reach areas, usually as part of a general pest control service.
Prevention Costs
$20-$50 annually for surface sprays to deter web building in specific areas like doorways and windows.
Diy Treatment
$15-$40 for a can of spider spray or a long-handled brush for physical removal of webs.
Property Damage
Structural Damage
None. They do not damage buildings or structures.
Garden Damage
None. They are beneficial to gardens by controlling insect pest populations.
Food Contamination
Negligible risk. Their webs are built away from food sources.
Equipment Damage
None.
Business Impact
Restaurant Issues
Large, unsightly webs around outdoor dining areas can be off-putting to patrons, requiring regular removal.
Retail Impact
Webs around storefronts or entrances can create a poor impression.
Reputation Damage
For hospitality businesses, the presence of very large spiders can deter customers who may be fearful of them, regardless of the low risk.
Operational Disruption
In orchards or agricultural settings, dense populations can make harvesting and maintenance work unpleasant for workers.
Agricultural Impact
Crop Damage
None.
Yield Loss
None.
Beneficial Aspects
Highly beneficial. They are voracious predators of many agricultural pests, including locusts, grasshoppers, and various beetles and flies, providing natural pest control.
Economic Loss
The main 'cost' is the nuisance factor. Any economic loss from reputation damage is typically minor and manageable with simple cleaning schedules.
Indirect Costs
Healthcare Costs
Negligible. Bites are rare and do not require specific medical treatment beyond basic first aid.
Cleanup Costs
The primary ongoing cost is the labour for regularly clearing large, sticky webs from pathways, doorways, and outdoor living areas.
Replacement Costs
None.
Preventive Maintenance
Regularly checking and clearing popular web-building spots is the main preventive cost.
Detection & Signs
Visual Signs
- The most obvious sign is the presence of one or more very large, permanent golden orb webs.
- Seeing the large female spider sitting in the hub of the web.
- Webs are often built across paths, between trees, or from eaves to the ground.
- In autumn, the presence of large, fluffy green-yellow egg sacs hidden in nearby foliage.
- An accumulation of insect carcasses wrapped in silk, either in the web or on the ground below.
Physical Evidence
- The web itself is the primary physical evidence. The silk is notably strong and golden.
- Discarded exoskeletons (moults) may be found within or near the web.
- The green, silk-wrapped egg sacs.
- Remains of prey discarded from the web.
Behavioral Signs
- The spider remaining stationary in its web for long periods.
- Vigorous shaking of the web when it is disturbed.
- Rapid movement to wrap newly captured prey in silk.
Seasonal Indicators
- Webs become progressively larger and more numerous from spring through to late summer.
- The largest females and most impressive webs are seen in late summer and autumn.
- Spiders and webs become scarce after the first heavy frosts or cold spells of winter.
Early Warning Signals
- Small, incomplete orb webs built by juvenile spiders in spring and early summer.
- An increasing number of flying insects in an area may attract these spiders, signalling a potential increase in their presence.
Prevention
Sanitation Measures
- Reduce outdoor lighting at night, as this attracts the insects that Golden Orbweavers prey on.
- General garden tidiness can reduce the number of insect pests, thereby making the area less attractive to spiders.
- Keep areas around doors and windows clear of clutter and debris.
Exclusion Methods
- While total exclusion is difficult for an outdoor species, strategic removal of webs can discourage them.
- Regularly brush down eaves, pergolas, and window frames to remove webbing and discourage them from settling.
- Trim trees and shrubs away from the house to reduce anchor points for webs near doorways and windows.
- Use a broom or long-handled brush to remove webs as soon as they appear in high-traffic areas. The spider will often relocate if its web is persistently destroyed.
Landscaping Tips
- Increase the distance between large shrubs or trees to make it harder for the spider to span a web across a pathway.
- Consider planting choices that attract fewer flying insects.
- Maintain a clear zone of at least one meter around patios, decks, and play areas.
- Regularly prune vegetation to remove potential web-anchoring sites in undesirable locations.
Monitoring Strategies
- Conduct weekly visual inspections of your property, paying close attention to known spider hotspots like garden sheds, pergolas, and dense vegetation.
- Be particularly vigilant during late summer and autumn when spiders are at their largest and most numerous.
- Make a note of where webs are being built to identify problem areas.
Environmental Modification
- Change outdoor lighting to yellow bulbs or sodium vapor lights, which are less attractive to insects.
- Disrupting potential web-building sites by installing objects or changing the landscape can deter them.
- Redirecting sprinklers to avoid creating overly humid microclimates in areas you want to keep spider-free.
Control Methods
Professional Treatment Methods
Chemical Control
Professional application of a residual insecticide to external surfaces like eaves and window frames can deter web-building. This is often part of a general spider treatment.
Biological Control
Not applicable for this species. It is itself a biological control agent.
Physical Control
Professionals will physically remove the spider and its web, often using extension poles and brushes. This is the most common and effective method for immediate control.
Integrated Approach
An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach would involve identifying problem areas, modifying the habitat (e.g., pruning branches), and regular physical removal of webs, with chemical application as a last resort for persistent issues in sensitive areas.
DIY Treatment Options
Natural Remedies
A spray bottle with a mixture of water and a few drops of peppermint oil can be used on surfaces to deter spiders from building webs there.
Home Made Traps
Traps are not effective for this type of spider.
Deterrent Methods
Physical removal is the best deterrent. If a spider's web is knocked down a few times, it will likely move to a new location.
Mechanical Control
Use a broom or a long stick to carefully wrap up the web and spider and relocate it to a part of the garden where it will not be a nuisance.
Treatment Effectiveness
Success Rate
Physical removal has a 100% success rate for an individual spider. Surface sprays can be 70-80% effective at preventing new webs for a limited time.
Timeframe
Immediate results are achieved with physical removal. Chemical barriers may take a few days to become effective and last for several months.
Follow Up Required
Regular monitoring and re-application of deterrents or removal of new webs may be needed, especially during the peak season in late summer.
Seasonal Considerations
Treatment is most effective and most needed in late summer and autumn when spiders and their webs are at their largest.
Application Techniques
- For physical removal, use a long-handled brush to gently roll the web, spider included, and move it away.
- For chemical treatments, apply a light spray to frames, eaves, and other potential anchor points.
- Avoid spraying the spider directly, as this is unnecessary and can be harmful to other organisms.
- Always follow safety instructions on any chemical products used.
Professional Services
Professional Treatment Services
Chemical Control
Professional application of a residual insecticide to external surfaces like eaves and window frames can deter web-building. This is often part of a general spider treatment.
Biological Control
Not applicable for this species. It is itself a biological control agent.
Physical Control
Professionals will physically remove the spider and its web, often using extension poles and brushes. This is the most common and effective method for immediate control.
Integrated Approach
An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach would involve identifying problem areas, modifying the habitat (e.g., pruning branches), and regular physical removal of webs, with chemical application as a last resort for persistent issues in sensitive areas.
Professional Treatment Costs
$150-$300 for removal of large webs and spiders from difficult-to-reach areas, usually as part of a general pest control service.
Treatment Success Rates
Physical removal has a 100% success rate for an individual spider. Surface sprays can be 70-80% effective at preventing new webs for a limited time.
Treatment Timeframe
Immediate results are achieved with physical removal. Chemical barriers may take a few days to become effective and last for several months.
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Browse All ProvidersSeasonal Patterns
Spring Activity
Spiderlings hatch and begin to disperse. Small, inconspicuous webs are built. Growth is steady.
Summer Activity
This is the main growth period. Spiders moult several times, and their webs become progressively larger and more noticeable. Prey capture is at its peak.
Autumn Activity
Spiders reach their maximum size. This is the peak season for mating and egg-laying. Webs are at their most impressive. Females are at their most visible.
Winter Activity
In colder climates, adult spiders die off, and the species survives as eggs within the egg sac. In warmer, tropical areas, some females may survive the winter.
Breeding Season
Late summer to early autumn (typically March-May).
Peak Activity Period
The term 'infestation' is not ideal, but the spiders are most numerous and visible from mid-summer to late autumn (January to May).
Environmental Factors
Temperature Effects
Warm temperatures accelerate growth and insect activity, benefiting the spiders. Cold temperatures and frost are lethal to adults.
Humidity Effects
High humidity keeps the silk from drying out and is generally favorable.
Photoperiod Effects
Longer days in summer correlate with peak activity and growth.
Weather Patterns
Strong winds and heavy rain can destroy webs, forcing the spider to expend energy rebuilding.
Legal Considerations
Pest Status
Not considered a pest in any official capacity. It is a native species with a beneficial role in the ecosystem.
Control Regulations
There are no specific regulations governing the control of Golden Orbweavers. General pesticide use regulations apply.
Professional Requirements
Pest control technicians must be licensed to apply chemical treatments commercially, but no special certification is needed for this species.
Environmental Considerations
As a beneficial predator, non-chemical control methods (physical removal and relocation) are strongly recommended to avoid harming the local ecosystem. Broad-spectrum insecticides will kill beneficial insects as well as the spiders.
Compliance Requirements
- Follow all state and local laws regarding pesticide use.
- Ensure any chemical treatment does not contaminate waterways or harm non-target species.
- No specific reporting or permit requirements are needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Australian Golden Orbweavers different from other large spiders?
The Australian Golden Orbweaver, Trichonephila edulis, stands out primarily due to three factors: its web, its size, and its low-risk nature. Unlike the temporary, often nocturnal webs of species like the Garden Orb-weaver, the Golden Orbweaver's web is a semi-permanent, incredibly strong structure that can last for weeks or months. The silk itself has a distinctive golden hue, making the web a remarkable sight in the sunlight. Secondly, the extreme sexual dimorphism is a key differentiator. The female is a giant compared to the male, who is often so small he can live on her web almost unnoticed. This size disparity is far more pronounced than in many other spider species. Finally, despite its intimidating size, it is remarkably placid. While other large spiders like Huntsmen might cause alarm by entering homes, the Golden Orbweaver stays with its web outdoors and is extremely reluctant to bite. Its venom is not considered medically significant for humans, contrasting sharply with dangerously venomous spiders like the Funnel-web.
How dangerous is the Australian Golden Orbweaver to humans?
The Australian Golden Orbweaver is considered to pose a very low risk to humans. Its reputation for being dangerous is based on its large and imposing appearance rather than on factual evidence. They are timid by nature and not aggressive. A bite from one is a rare event, typically only occurring if the spider is provoked, such as being pressed against skin or roughly handled. The fangs are relatively small for its size. In the unlikely event of a bite, the venom is not potent enough to cause serious medical issues in humans. Symptoms are generally mild and localised, consisting of short-lived sharp pain at the site, followed by minor redness, itching, and slight swelling. These symptoms usually resolve within a few hours without any specific treatment. Systemic effects are virtually unheard of, and there have been no recorded fatalities. Basic first aid, such as cleaning the area and applying a cold pack, is all that is typically required.
What is the most effective way to get rid of a Golden Orbweaver?
The most effective, humane, and recommended method for getting rid of a Golden Orbweaver is physical removal and relocation. Given their beneficial role as insect predators, eradication is often unnecessary. To do this, use a long-handled broom or a sturdy stick. Gently insert the end of the broom into the top of the web and rotate it, allowing the strong, sticky silk to wrap around the broom head, usually with the spider attached. You can then walk the broom to a different part of the garden, such as between two trees away from paths, and unwind the web, allowing the spider to establish itself elsewhere. For a more permanent solution in high-traffic areas like doorways or patios, you can apply a residual surface insecticide to the anchor points. This won't kill the spider but will deter it from rebuilding a web in that specific spot. Calling a professional is an option if the web is in a very high or inaccessible location, but DIY removal is usually sufficient.
How can I prevent Golden Orbweavers from returning?
Preventing Golden Orbweavers from returning involves making the area less attractive and less suitable for web-building. The primary strategy is habitat modification. Regularly prune trees, shrubs, and other vegetation, especially where they create convenient, sheltered anchor points across paths or near buildings. Reducing the distance between potential anchor points can make it impossible for them to build their large webs. Another key strategy is to reduce their food source. Outdoor lights attract nocturnal insects, which then attract spiders. Consider switching to yellow 'bug lights' or using motion-sensor lights to minimise insect attraction. Finally, be persistent. During the peak season of summer and autumn, conduct weekly inspections of problem areas and immediately remove any new, small webs with a broom. If a spider finds that its web is consistently destroyed in one location, it will eventually give up and move to a more stable environment. This combination of landscaping, light management, and consistent removal is the best long-term prevention plan.
When is the Australian Golden Orbweaver most active during the year?
The Australian Golden Orbweaver's activity is strongly tied to the seasons. You will see the most activity during the warmest months of the year. The cycle begins in spring, when spiderlings hatch and disperse, though they are rarely noticed at this stage. As summer arrives, the spiders grow rapidly, and their webs become progressively larger and more visible. Peak activity occurs from mid-summer through to mid-autumn (roughly January to May). During this period, the female spiders are fully grown, their golden webs are at their largest and most impressive, and they are focused on capturing prey, mating, and laying eggs. This is when they are most commonly encountered and when they may become a nuisance in gardens and on pathways. As autumn progresses and temperatures begin to drop, activity wanes. In areas with cold winters, the adult spiders will die off, leaving the next generation to survive as eggs in a protected sac, ready to hatch the following spring.
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