African Hermit Orb Weaver
Size
Females can grow up to 25mm (1 inch) in body length, but males are significantly smaller, growing to only around 4mm (0.15 inches).
Habitat and Distribution
They can be found in tropical Africa but has also been introduced to parts of South America.
Age
They only live for about one year.
Diet
They eat primarily flying insects, such as moths and flies.
Groups and Breeding
They have a very unique way of behaving during mating. A male will sacrifice a leg as a snack for the female, which he hopes will increase the success of mating.
Threats
The IUCN classes this species as Least Concern, however their numbers are decreasing from the lack of a suitable habitat, which is likely due to climate change.
Interesting Facts
They create asymmetrical webs to catch their prey, then they make a funnel-shaped hole which they retreat into to hide during the day, then emerge at night to hunt for food, making them nocturnal.
During Your Day Out in Kent
You’ll find our Hermit Orb Weaver Spider in our Bug House, this is located in between our Hyacinth Macaws and Cockatoos.
The more you know…
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