Nephila pilipes is a species of
golden orb-web spider found across Asia, Oceania, and parts of Australia. It is commonly found in humid forests and coastal areas, near surface water and against buildings. The species shows extreme
sexual dimorphism, with females among the world's largest orb-weaving spiders, reaching 50
mm (2
in) in body length, while males are typically only 5–6.5
mm (0.2–0.25
in).
Nephila pilipes preys mainly on flying insects and can alter web structure depending on prey type. Its asymmetrical golden webs are made from exceptionally strong silk that has been studied in
materials science. The spider rarely bites humans, and its bites are generally mild. In parts of Vietnam, it is also eaten as a traditional food source. This photograph shows an
N. pilipes female and male (on the female's abdomen) on the
Wu Kau Tang, Hong Kong.
Photograph credit: Charles J. Sharp
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