Striped Orb-weaver
Mangora acalypha
The striped orb-weaver is a small member of the orb-weaver family, primarily recognized by its distinctive abdominal pattern. It prefers sunny locations such as dry grasslands, heathlands, and forest edges, where it weaves its webs close to the ground in the herbaceous layer. The species is widespread in Central Europe and is known for constructing very fine-meshed, stable orb webs.
Details
Identification
Three black longitudinal stripes at the posterior end of the opisthosoma; anterior part with an arrow- or bottle-shaped dark pattern on a light background; very small, fine-meshed orb web.
Social behavior
Solitary; exhibits territorial behavior within the vicinity of its own web.
Diet
Feeds on small flying insects such as midges, aphids, and small flies caught in its web.
Hunting strategy
Passive web-building hunter; waits in the center of the web or in a retreat for vibrations caused by prey.
Spawning substrate
Egg sacs are attached to plant stems or within the vegetation.
Overwintering
Overwintering usually occurs in the egg stage within a cocoon or as a juvenile in the leaf litter.
Ecology
Ecological role
Important predator of small insects in the herbaceous layer of open-land habitats.
Natural predators
Birds, insectivorous mammals, ichneumon wasps, and larger spider species.
Competitor species
Other small orb-weavers from the Araneidae and Tetragnathidae families.
Ecosystem service
Biological pest control through the consumption of aphids and other small insects.
Threats
Agricultural intensification, loss of structurally diverse forest edges and dry grasslands.
Scientific profile
Profile
Distinguishing features
The striking 'tuning fork' pattern on the posterior end of the abdomen is diagnostic. Another feature is the orb web, which has an exceptionally high density of 50 to 60 radii, compared to other Araneidae.
Habitat
Prefers sunny, open locations such as dry grasslands, heathlands, forest edges, fallow land, and extensively managed meadows.
Role in food web
Important predator of small insects in the herb layer; serves as food for birds, assassin bugs, and spider wasps.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Intensification of agriculture, frequent mowing of roadsides, and the loss of structurally rich transitional habitats.
Population trend
Stable; the species is widespread in Central Europe and often found in high densities in suitable habitats.