Wasp Spider
Argiope bruennichi
This record describes Argiope bruennichi (species). Recorded family: Araneidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Males 7-8mm, females 10-22mm. Large, brightly coloured and distinctively patterned spider. Juveniles and males may be less obvious than mature females. The large orb web is also distinctive with a vertical zig-zag stabilimentum. Grassland and scrub, usually where grasshoppers, the main prey, are frequent. Mowing destroys the egg sacs preventing over wintering so usually found on rough ground. The large flask-shaped egg sac overwinters low in vegetation, the young hatch and emerge in early summer. Spreading northwards from its original sites in the south east. Presently uncommon, occasional accidental introductions https://srs.britishspiders.org.uk/portal.php/p/Summary/s/Argiope+bruennichi
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Grassland and scrub, usually where grasshoppers, the main prey, are frequent. Mowing destroys the egg sacs preventing over wintering so usually found on rough ground.
Seasonal Activity
Late summer-autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The large flask-shaped egg sac overwinters low in vegetation, the young hatch and emerge in early summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Spreading northwards from its original sites in the south east.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Argiope bruennichi. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
As of 2023, 51,673 spider species in 136 families have been recorded, though an estimated 150,000 species exist. Spiders rank 7th in total species diversity among all organism orders. Only 0.5% of spider species pose any risk to human health.
Ecological role of the group
Spider venom contains complex peptides with diverse pharmacological activities, making them valuable for drug development research. Spiders produce up to 7 types of silk from specialized glands. Spider silk genes have been inserted into mammals and plants for biotech applications.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The global spider community kills an estimated 400-800 million tons of prey annually (2017 study). Spiders provide billions of dollars in natural pest control for agriculture. Spider silk is 5× stronger than steel of the same diameter, driving a biomaterials research industry.
Recorded sources for this group: World Spider Catalog, PNAS, Nature, ScienceDirect. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Wasp Spider (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wasp Spider
What is Wasp Spider?
Wasp Spider (Argiope bruennichi) is a species in the family Araneidae, within the order Araneae.
Where is Wasp Spider found?
Habitat: Grassland and scrub, usually where grasshoppers, the main prey, are frequent. Mowing destroys the egg sacs preventing over wintering so usually found on rough ground.
When is Wasp Spider active?
Wasp Spider: seasonal activity - Late summer-autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Wasp Spider?
The large flask-shaped egg sac overwinters low in vegetation, the young hatch and emerge in early summer.