Enoplognatha ovata

Taxobox
name = "Enoplognatha ovata"

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image_caption = female
image_width = 250px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Arthropoda
classis = Arachnida
ordo = Araneae
subordo = Araneomorphae
familia = Theridiidae
genus = "Enoplognatha"
species = "E. ovata"
binomial = "Enoplognatha ovata"
binomial_authority = Clerck, 1757

"Enoplognatha ovata" is a species of spider belonging to the family Theridiidae. It is native to Europe and has also been introduced to North America.

This spider, reaching a length of 6 mm (excluding legs), has translucent legs and the globular abdomen is extremely variable in colour and pattern: the background colour is white, cream or green and can be marked with a row of dark spots, a broad red stripe or with two red stripes in a v-shape. Despite its small size, this is a formidable predator which can prey on insects many times its size. The female deposits its eggs in a grey sac. This is secreted within a rolled-up leaf fastened with silk and the female guards it until the eggs hatch.

References