Filmy Dome Spider (Neriene radiata)
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The Filmy Dome Spider is a very common species that tends to build its web in shady, protected areas. These spiders are only about ¼ inch long. A dorsal view of the female is shown in the photo above. Ventral views of both the male and female are shown below. The female is on the left.
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When people think about spiders mating, the familiar example of the Black Widow comes to mind. However, not all female spiders end up eating their mate. Filmy Dome Spiders are frequently found cohabiting the same web, male and female side by side.
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Not only do the spiders spend time in the same web, but they also seem to frequently be found mating (see photos above and below). The male has large, black appendages at the front of his head called pedipalps. These are used to transfer sperm to the female. The glob of sperm is a clear golden color.
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This species obviously gets its common name from the web in which it lives. There is a sort of dome, along with a jumble of cobwebs all around it. However, it is almost invisible in most lighting situations. When the sun hits it at the right angle, and from a very low perspective, the dome becomes more apparent and the web shines with rainbow hues.
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class: Arachnida / order: Araneae / family: Linyphiidae / genus: Neriene / species: radiata
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