Classification
Domain Eukarya
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Arthropoda
Class Arachnida
Order Araneae
Suborder Neocribellatae
Family Araneidae
Genus Gasteracantha
Species cancriformis (Spinybacked Orbweaver)
Why these
classifications?
Domain Eukarya: Cells have a nucleus and organelles
Kingdom Animalia: (Animal) Multicellular and retains energy by
consuming other organisms by predation
Phylum Arthropoda: (Arthropod) Segmented body, has an open
circulatory system
Class Arachnida: (Arachnid) Has 6 pairs of appendages, 4 of
which are used for walking
Order Araneae: (Spider) Preys on other insects, but can only
ingest liquids with the lack of mouthparts
Suborder Neocribellatae: Contains poisonous glands
Family Araneidae: (Orb weaver)
Genus Gasteracantha: Greek (“gaster” - belly; “akantha” - thorn
or spine)
Species Gasteracanta cancriformis: Other common names:
crab-spider, spiny-bellied orb weaver, crab-like spiny orbweaver