One of the largest spiders in the world, the Giant Golden Orb Spider can reach a total length of 20cm (body size of up to 5cm).

Northern golden orb weaver - Female Nephila pilipes - Photo by Alex Pawlow

The common name is derived from the colour of the web, which has a rich golden/yellow colour. The Giant golden orb spider is able to adjust the intensity of the colour of its web in order to match the background light levels and colours. It is believed the golden hue attracts bees and blends in better with the tropical folliage.

Generally its diet is large insects, but they have been known to take small birds, lizards and snakes if they get caught in the strong web.

The ones you are likely to notice, are the females. The males are tiny in comparison, around 1/10th of the size of the female, and are usually only noticed in the web after taking a closer look at the female.

It is primarily a tropical species and can often be seen in the rainforest around Daintree.