Box kite spider

Box kite spiders
I. tabulata
I. cicatricosa
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Araneidae
Genus: Isoxya
Simon, 1885
Type species
I. cicatricosa
(C. L. Koch, 1844)
Species

17, see text

Box kite spiders (Isoxya) is a genus of Afrotropical orb-weaver spiders first described by Eugène Simon in 1885. Like the spiny orb-weavers they have six prominent (but short) spines on their abdomen. They are small spiders, measuring 3 to 7 millimetres (0.12 to 0.28 in) across.[1] Isoxya have a sclerotised (or porcelain-like) abdomen which is typical of the Gasteracanthinae.[1]

Description

See also: Glossary of spider terms

These spiders have a carapace that is usually as wide as it is long. Their abdomen is brightly decorated with yellow, red or black and white patterns. The dorsal part is hardened to form a rigid scutum bearing large spots and depressions, often prolonged laterally and posteriorly in spine-like extensions.[2]

The spinnerets are surrounded by a sclerotised ring. Legs are relatively short. The eight eyes are in two rows (4:4). Males are much smaller than females and differ in color and shape.[2]

Lifestyle

During the day box kite spiders can be found in large orb-webs usually made high between trees. The web is usually decorated with small silk tufts. The egg sacs are covered with silk and they attach it to vegetation.[2]

Species

  • I. cicatrosa
    I. cicatrosa
  • I. mossamedensis
    I. mossamedensis
  • I. stuhlmanni
    I. stuhlmanni

As of September 2025, this genus includes seventeen species:[3]

References

  1. ^ a b Larsen, Norman. "Isoxya (box kite spiders)". biodiversity explorer. iziko museums. Archived from the original on 29 March 2013. Retrieved 2013-06-17.
  2. ^ a b c Dippenaar-Schoeman, A.S.; Haddad, C.R.; Foord, S.H.; Lotz, L.N.; Webb, P. (2022). The Araneidae of South Africa. Version 2: part 2 (E-Ne). South African National Survey of Arachnida Photo Identification Guide. p. 34. doi:10.5281/zenodo.6619195. This article incorporates text available under the CC BY 4.0 license.
  3. ^ "Genus Isoxya". World Spider Catalog. doi:10.24436/2. Retrieved 26 September 2025.

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