Solomon Islands: Kolombangara – Spiny Spiders
The most spectacular and unusual-looking insects on Kolombangara were the spiny spiders from Gasteracantha genus. These are species of the orb-weaving spiders and they have hard thorns and spikes o their abdomens (females only) and hardened body armor shells. They are also very colorful – from bright red to fluorescent greens. They look alien or like evils characters from a marvel universe. The spikes and horns are a defensive mechanisms against predators, as are the bright colors warning of being poisonous. The spiders, however, are totally harmless to humans. The two species we saw are Gasteracantha arcuata – red and green, and Gasteracantha signifera – bright red.
