Identification
Physical Characteristics
Size: This is a very small spider. The female's body length is approximately 3-4mm, and the male is even smaller, at around 2-3mm.
Coloration: The cephalothorax and legs are typically pale green, yellow, or translucent brown. The abdomen is the most spectacular feature. It is covered with multiple, irregular patches that look like tiny pieces of silver mirror or sequins. The background colour of the abdomen can be brown, yellow, or green, visible between the silver plates. The size of these silver patches can change.
Key Features: The most distinctive feature is the mirror-like, silvery patches on the abdomen. Its ability to rapidly shrink these patches when threatened, revealing the underlying colour and changing its shape, is a unique defensive mechanism. Its kleptoparasitic behaviour is another key identifier.
Biology & Lifecycle
Development & Reproduction
Reproduction Rate: The reproductive rate is likely low, with females producing only one or two small egg sacs in their lifetime.
Lifecycle Details
Egg Stage
The female constructs a small, inconspicuous egg sac, which is often brownish or greenish and shaped like a small flask or spindle. She will attach it with silk to a twig or leaf within or near the host spider's web. She guards the egg sac until the spiderlings hatch.
Larval Stage
Upon hatching, the tiny spiderlings (not larvae) disperse. Their survival depends on finding a suitable host web to inhabit.
Pupal Stage
Spiders do not have a pupal stage.
Adult Stage
The adult spider lives its entire life within the web of a larger host spider. Its lifespan is relatively short, likely less than a year. Its daily life consists of cautiously moving around the host's web, avoiding the host, and scavenging for tiny particles of food or minute insects.
Reproduction Rate
The reproductive rate is likely low, with females producing only one or two small egg sacs in their lifetime.
Generations Per Year
Likely one or two generations per year, aligned with the seasons and the lifecycle of their host spider species.
Development Time
Development from egg to adult probably takes a few months, depending on the availability of food (stolen from the host) and temperature.
Seasonal Cycle
Their lifecycle is intrinsically linked to their hosts. They are most abundant when the host orb-weaver spiders are at their peak population, typically in summer and autumn. They will disappear or die off when their hosts do.
Environmental Factors
The single most important environmental factor is the presence of a large, permanent orb web built by a suitable host species. Without a host, it cannot survive.
Habitat & Distribution
Preferred Habitats
- The large, permanent orb webs of spiders from the genus Trichonephila (Golden Orbweavers).
- Webs of other large orb-weaving spiders in humid forests and gardens.
- Subtropical and tropical rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests.
- Lush, humid suburban gardens that support large orb-weaver populations.
Distribution Patterns
Australian Distribution
Primarily found along the east coast of Australia, from northern Queensland down through New South Wales and into eastern Victoria.
Climate Zones
- Tropical
- Subtropical
- Temperate (in coastal, humid areas)
Urban vs Rural Distribution
Found in both rural bushland and lush urban gardens, wherever its host spiders are present.
Native Range
Native to Australia.
Introduced Range
Not an introduced species. Similar species exist in other parts of the world.
Introduction History
Not applicable.
Current Spread
Distribution is stable but linked to the health of its host populations, which can be affected by urbanization and habitat clearing.
Limiting Factors
The primary limiting factor is the absence of host spiders. It is also limited by cold, dry climates.
Behavior & Diet
Activity Pattern
Active both day and night, constantly monitoring the host's web for opportunities to steal food.
Dietary Preferences
Feeding Habits
A kleptoparasitic carnivore.
Health Risks
Always consult healthcare professionals for medical concerns related to pest exposure.
Disease Transmission
- None.
Allergens and Respiratory Issues
None.
Contamination Risk
None.
Vulnerable Populations
- None. It is harmless to all people and pets.
Symptoms of Exposure
- A bite is not possible. The spider is exceptionally small and non-aggressive, with fangs incapable of piercing human skin.
- No symptoms are associated with this spider.
- Medical attention is never required.
Transmission Methods
- No method of harm transmission.
Risk Severity
Harmless. It is completely non-toxic and poses no risk to humans.
Economic Impact
Treatment Costs
Professional Treatment
$0. Control is never required.
Prevention Costs
$0.
Diy Treatment
$0.
Property Damage
Structural Damage
None.
Garden Damage
None.
Food Contamination
None.
Equipment Damage
None.
Business Impact
Restaurant Issues
None.
Retail Impact
None.
Reputation Damage
None.
Operational Disruption
None.
Agricultural Impact
Crop Damage
None.
Yield Loss
None.
Beneficial Aspects
It is an indicator of a complex and healthy invertebrate ecosystem. Its unique biology and stunning appearance contribute to biodiversity and scientific interest.
Economic Loss
None.
Indirect Costs
Healthcare Costs
None.
Cleanup Costs
None.
Replacement Costs
None.
Preventive Maintenance
None.
Detection & Signs
Visual Signs
- 'Infestation' is not the correct term. The sign of their presence is seeing one or more of these tiny, silvery spiders in a large orb web.
Physical Evidence
- None, other than the spider itself.
Behavioral Signs
- Observing the spider making daring raids to steal food from its host.
Seasonal Indicators
- They are most likely to be seen in summer and autumn, coinciding with the peak season for their host spiders.
Early Warning Signals
- Not applicable.
Prevention
Sanitation Measures
- None needed. Their presence is a good thing.
Exclusion Methods
- Not applicable.
Landscaping Tips
- To encourage them, you must first encourage their hosts. Creating a garden habitat that supports large Golden Orbweavers—with plenty of space between trees and shrubs for webs and no pesticide use—will in turn provide a home for the Silver Dewdrop Spider.
Monitoring Strategies
- Monitoring is purely for enjoyment. Check known orb webs regularly to see if any of these jewelled lodgers have moved in.
Environmental Modification
- Conserving the habitat of host spiders is the only way to support this species.
Control Methods
Professional Treatment Methods
Chemical Control
Never warranted, and would harm the host spider and wider ecosystem.
Biological Control
Not applicable.
Physical Control
Not applicable.
Integrated Approach
The only approach is conservation and appreciation.
DIY Treatment Options
Natural Remedies
None needed.
Home Made Traps
None needed.
Deterrent Methods
None needed.
Mechanical Control
None needed.
Treatment Effectiveness
Success Rate
Not applicable.
Timeframe
Not applicable.
Follow Up Required
Not applicable.
Seasonal Considerations
Not applicable.
Application Techniques
- Not applicable.
Professional Services
Professional Treatment Services
Chemical Control
Never warranted, and would harm the host spider and wider ecosystem.
Biological Control
Not applicable.
Physical Control
Not applicable.
Integrated Approach
The only approach is conservation and appreciation.
Professional Treatment Costs
$0. Control is never required.
Treatment Success Rates
Not applicable.
Treatment Timeframe
Not applicable.
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Browse All ProvidersSeasonal Patterns
Spring Activity
Activity begins as host spider populations start to establish their webs.
Summer Activity
Peak season for activity, corresponding with the peak abundance of host spiders and insect prey.
Autumn Activity
Activity remains high, with breeding occurring before the hosts' lifecycle ends.
Winter Activity
Their lifecycle is tied to the host. If the host spider dies off in winter, so will the dewdrop spiders. They likely survive the cold season as eggs.
Breeding Season
Summer and autumn.
Peak Activity Period
Not applicable. Most visible in summer and autumn.
Environmental Factors
Temperature Effects
Their activity is directly linked to the warm temperatures that favour their hosts.
Humidity Effects
High humidity is preferred, matching the conditions needed by their hosts.
Photoperiod Effects
Active during both day and night within the host web.
Weather Patterns
Strong wind and rain can destroy the host web, which would be catastrophic for the dewdrop spider.
Legal Considerations
Pest Status
Not a pest. A beneficial and unique native species.
Control Regulations
None. General environmental laws protect native fauna.
Professional Requirements
Not applicable.
Environmental Considerations
The key consideration is protecting them and their hosts from pesticides. Their presence is a sign that you are not over-using chemicals in your garden.
Compliance Requirements
- None.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Silver Dewdrop Spider so special?
The Silver Dewdrop Spider is special for two extraordinary reasons: its appearance and its lifestyle. Visually, it is one of the most beautiful spiders in the world. Its abdomen is adorned with what look like tiny, perfectly polished mirrors. These are plates of guanine crystals under the skin that reflect light, making the spider look like a hanging jewel or a drop of mercury. Even more remarkably, it can control the size of these plates, shrinking them when it feels threatened to instantly change its appearance and camouflage itself. Its lifestyle is equally fascinating. It is a kleptoparasite, or a 'thief'. Instead of expending energy to build its own web, it lives on the giant orb webs of larger spiders, darting out to steal tiny insects that its host has caught but ignores. This combination of stunning beauty and a cunning, high-stakes lifestyle makes it a true marvel of the natural world.
Is the Silver Dewdrop Spider dangerous?
No, the Silver Dewdrop Spider is completely and utterly harmless to humans and pets. It poses zero risk. Its fangs are incredibly tiny, designed for piercing the exoskeletons of minute insects like midges, and would be physically incapable of breaking human skin. Furthermore, its venom is specialised for these tiny prey items and is not toxic to mammals. They are also extremely timid and small. You could hold one in your hand (though it's not recommended, for the spider's safety) and it would not even attempt to bite. It is a creature to be admired for its beauty, not feared.
Why do they live on other spiders' webs?
Living on another spider's web is a highly specialised and energy-efficient survival strategy. Building and maintaining a large orb web requires a huge investment of protein and energy from the host spider. By living on this pre-built structure, the Silver Dewdrop Spider saves all that energy. The giant web acts as a massive net that catches a wide range of insect sizes. The host spider, being very large, is only interested in the larger, more substantial prey. It ignores the tiny insects, like gnats and midges, that also get stuck to the sticky strands. This leftover, ignored prey provides a perfect, readily available food source for the tiny Silver Dewdrop Spider. It is a freeloader, living in a mansion and eating the crumbs left behind by its giant landlord.
How can I find a Silver Dewdrop Spider?
Finding a Silver Dewdrop Spider requires patience and a keen eye. You won't find one on its own. First, you must locate the web of its host, which is typically a large Golden Orbweaver (Trichonephila). These huge, strong, golden webs are common in gardens and bushland along Australia's east coast, often strung between trees or shrubs. Once you've found a large, established orb web, you need to look very closely at the periphery—the outer support strands and anchor points. Ignore the large spider in the middle and scan the edges for what looks like a tiny ball of silver or a drop of dew hanging from a thread. They are very small, so using a magnifying glass can be a great help. Look for them on sunny days, when their silver patches will catch the light. Be gentle and do not disturb the web.
Why does it look like it's covered in mirrors?
The incredible mirror-like appearance is a form of structural colouration and camouflage. Beneath the spider's transparent outer skin (cuticle) are special cells filled with crystals of guanine. Guanine is a waste product of protein metabolism, the same substance that makes fish scales and reptile skin shimmer. In the Silver Dewdrop Spider, these guanine crystals are arranged into flat, reflective plates. When light hits these plates, it reflects off them like a mirror. The spider can control muscles around these cells. When relaxed, the plates lie flat, creating the stunning mirrorball effect. When the spider is threatened, it contracts these muscles, which contorts the cells, scatters the light differently, and effectively 'shrinks' or dulls the silver patches. This can make it instantly blend in with the background or resemble an uninteresting drop of water, confusing potential predators.
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Image Gallery
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