Tent Spider

Identification
Full size - 50 cent piece; leg diameter - pin. C. moluccensis often has broad, rusty red stripe down back of abdomen. C. hirta is a smaller white spider, rarely seen.

Habitat
Shaded warm areas - gardens, litter, trees, walls, paths. Most prevalent in summer. North from Coffs Harbour, NSW.

Web
Quickly recognised by form of webs. C. moluccensis builds large webs about 60-90 cm diameter; web consists of low inverted saucer-like dome amongst large tangle. C. hirta builds peaked web like a Russian tent, rarely more than 30 cm diameter.

Bite
Only if forced. No effects.