Golden Orb Weaver

♀ Golden Orb Weaver, Nephila philipes

The golden orb weavers are one of the larger spiders of Australia with a very distinct difference in size between the males and females. The red fangs and yellow leg spots are two distinct features of the Nephila philipes species. Predators of this spider include various birds and some wasps within the family Sphecidae. They are considered "non-venomous" and like many spiders, they are reluctant to bite. The biggest risk, if bitten, actually comes from infection due to the amount of bacteria found on the fangs. Their webs are semi-permanent placements and so will stay, say on the ceiling by the lights, if the prey amount is good.