Tag Archives: golden orb weaver (Nephila pilipes)

Gigantic Banana Spiders on Okinawa by Shawn Miller

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The golden orb weaver (Nephila pilipes) is the largest spider found on Okinawa. They can be found in parks, forests and gardens.  This massive spider is fairly common on Okinawa. 

Always look up!

They usually make their web up high in trees. I have also seen their web in the middle of a trail at eye level.

  • Scientific name:  Nephila pilipes
  • Common Name: Golden orb weaver / banana spider
  • Distribution:  Ryukyu Islands
  • Habitat: Forests, gardens and parks
  • Diet:  Insects
  • Average Size:  Female 17-20cm

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Their web is extremely strong. They have been know to catch small bats, cicadas and a variety of large insects

This species displays sexual dimorphism, The female is much larger than the male.
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Nephila pilipes fluoresces under ultraviolet light. The fluorescence serves as a warning sign for large animals.  Making a spider web this size takes a lot of time and effort. 

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This site is also designed to help people identify the beautiful animals of Okinawa, basically to serve as an online nature reference guide. If you would like to make a contribution to support my mission, please click on the donation link  paypal.me/maketheswitch4nature

Your donations will help conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines.  Thank you for your support, Shawn M Miller.

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