About Cyclosa insulana (Costa, 1834)
Female Cyclosa insulana can be distinguished by a broad scapus, the basal part of the spinneret, located in its anterior region. Males are identified by the distinctive shape of their pedipalps. This species is widely distributed across the warm and tropical regions of the Old World, with confirmed records spanning from the Mediterranean to the Philippines and Australia. In the Seychelles, it has been recorded from Mahé and Silhouette Island, though some specimens collected from this region may actually belong to other closely related species. C. insulana inhabits multiple biomes at altitudes ranging from 4 to 1593 meters above sea level. It constructs a complete, vertical, closely woven orb web in vegetation, positioned approximately one meter above the ground. The web's key distinguishing feature is a vertical stabilimentum aligned with the web's hub. The spider strings together the dead bodies of its prey and other debris along this stabilimentum, and hides within this debris to defend itself from predators. This common species is frequently found in sweep net and beating samples, and has been collected from all floral biomes. It has also been recorded in avocado trees, citrus orchards, and tomato fields.
