20. Lobed Argiope

Spiders are among the most feared creatures on earth. People have jumped from upstairs windows to escape them, preferring death itself! While it is true that some species can deliver lethal bites, there are no such spiders in Malta - no need for any base-jumping feats, then! However, we do have one or two impressive types, one of which is the Lobed Argiope (M: Brimba Kbira tal-Widien). Its relatively large body (well, thumbnail-sized!), knobbly abdomen and long black-and-yellow legs render it quite a looker. But for all its fearsome appearance, the argiope is harmless to humans. Not so to flying insects, though: its large, strong orb web will trap any insect from midge to mantis; it seems to favour wasps, however, which often feature among its mummy-wrapped victims.

Text and photo Victor Falzon. Copyright to Birdlife Malta.