Social spider nest

Eight species of Stegodyphus spiders occur in South Africa. Most of them live solitary, while at least two species are social. These spiders vary in colour from grey to brown with yellow and black markings. The social ones are slightly smaller than the solitary ones, the males being smaller than the females. And the size of the mature spiders decreases as the nests increase in size!

This communal nest seen in the Lowveld may either be that of Stegodyphus domicola found almost throughout southern Africa, or S. mimosarum found in the eastern region of the country. Nests occur in fynbos where that is found, otherwise often in thorn trees. Where trees are scarce, as for example in the Free State, the webs and nests will be attached to available structures such as fences. This nest is covering much of a small shrub.

From two to a hundred spiders may live in such a structure, each in a private chamber, connected by tunnels. Nests are usually about 1 m above-ground. There are mostly females and young ones found inside. Successive generations may enlarge the hackled web and nest over many years. Some bird species use some of the silky material to line their nests.

When edible visitors are caught in the web, several spiders will rush out to overpower it, for all inhabitants to share in the meal as best they can (www.biodiversityexplorer.org).