Bugland: She’s A Star
This spider’s Greek name is Gasteracantha cancriformis, which is an apt blend of the words “belly and thorn,” and “crab and shape.” In the United States she’s called a Spinybacked Orbweaver, and also has several other names: Star Spider, Crab Spider, Jewel Spider, Kite Spider and Smiley Face Spider, to name just a few. Native to North America, Central America, the Caribbean, South America and India, these Orbweavers look a bit scary, but they are very docile and non-aggressive. Fun fact: Orbweavers add little tufts of silk to their webs, making little “flags” that serve as a warning to birds to prevent them from flying in and tangling up the spider’s handiwork. Photo by Mark Silverstein