The Makiling Botanic Gardens (MBG) Wildlife of the Month (WOM) for October 2024 is the Giant Golden Orb Weaver, scientifically known as Nephila pilipes (Fabricius, 1793) of the family Araneidae. This spider is native to South and Southeast Asia and extends into Australasia. It displays striking sexual dimorphism: females are significantly larger (30-50mm) than males, which are only 5-6.5mm in size.
The Giant Golden Orb Weaver thrives in moist, tropical climates and prefers forest habitats, though it is adaptable and can also inhabit modified environments, including urban areas. Its diet is diverse, primarily consisting of various insects such as grasshoppers (Orthoptera), flies (Diptera), beetles (Coleoptera), and moths or butterflies (Lepidoptera).
Reproduction in this species is oviparous. Females construct an egg sac in a shallow depression they excavate on the forest floor. Although the Giant Golden Orb Weaver currently faces no major threats, its conservation remains important.
By: JBBalatibat, AALimpiada, MMCaña 2024