AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Nephila clavipes
Golden Silk Orb-weaver
Linnaeus, 1767
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A large, brightly colored spider famous for spinning strong, yellowish-gold webs. Females are prominent with long, tufted legs, while males are relatively tiny and inconspicuous.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Gerardo Venegas
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Arthropoda
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Arachnida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Araneae
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Araneidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Nephila
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Linnaeus, 1767
Record Completeness
94%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Summer
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Insectivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Prefers warm, humid environments. Commonly found in forests, along edges of clearings, swamps, and well-vegetated urban gardens.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
They are relatively docile but will vibrate their webs defensively when disturbed. They often rebuild one half of their web each day.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary web-builders, though multiple males may congregate on the periphery of a single female's web during mating season.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Orb-weaving insectivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Primary predators of flying insects like mosquitoes, bees, and flies. They serve as prey for insectivorous birds and parasitic wasps.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Males cautiously approach the massive females to avoid being eaten. Females lay eggs in a silk sac hidden in foliage.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
0.4 - 4.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.05 g - 4 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.300 - 3000
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 - 3 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
20 - 30
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males1 - 3 Months
Females6 - 12 Months
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Drastically smaller, ranging from 0.4 to 0.8 cm. They are a dull brown color and often go unnoticed.
Females Multi-lang
Very large, body length 2.5 to 4.0 cm (up to 12 cm with leg span). Vibrant colors with distinct hair tufts on their legs.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Produces golden-colored silk that camouflages well in sunlight to catch flying insects.
The spider's web is incredibly strong, capable of trapping small birds or bats occasionally.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Predation by birds and large spider wasps (such as tarantula hawks).
Habitat destruction and the use of agricultural pesticides.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The silk produced by this spider is studied extensively by scientists for its exceptional tensile strength, which rivals that of Kevlar.