The Goue Wawielwebspinnekop is known in English as the South African banded-legged golden orb-web spider.
"Its size and formidable looks make this one of the most recognisable and easy to identify spider species. Although it is frightening to look at, this spider is non-aggressive and relatively harmless. It can deliver a painful bite if severely provoked, but the venom is not lethal, generally only causing redness and blistering."
- http://www.sabisabi.com/wildfacts/golden-orb-web-spider
"The spider species Nephila senegalensis is commonly known as the banded-legged golden orb-web spider. The name comes from the fact that the joints of the spider are typically coloured a golden yellow. It is common in the savannas of South Africa. Males are much smaller than females. These spiders are diurnal and weave impressive webs."
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nephila_senegalensis
The table below comes from this PDF document - http://www.spiderclub.co.za/Docs/SCSA_Nephilidae_SA.pdf
| ATTRIBUTES | Nephila senegalensis annulata. Banded legged Nephila |
| Known distribution in South Africa. | Throughout all provinces. |
| Colour of silk, shape and placement of web, retreat and garbage line. | Strong yellow silk. Very large orb web in open or amongst trees, etc. with protective trip lines and a garbage line. No retreat. |
| Average body length of adult female. | 25 - 30 mm. |
| Legs. Colour and presence or absence of brushes. | Banded yellow and dark brown. Brushes of hair on legs 1, 2 & 4. |
| Carapace. | Brown or silvery. |
| Sternum | Yellow |
| Abdomen | Cylindrical. Variable but usually with a distinct yellow and black pattern dorsally and yellow with black patterns ventrally. Colours and patterns of subadults and juveniles different. |
| Palps | Yellow |
"Typically of Nephila, the legs have a brush on the tibia of the first, second and fourth pairs of legs. The blackish legs are banded with yellow. The Banded-legged Nephila has a body length of 25-30mm. The abdomen is black with yellow bands or spots while ventrally it has a yellow sternum."
- http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/arachnids/spiders/nephilidae/nephila_senegalensis.htm
See also:
