About Neoscona theisi (Walckenaer, 1841)
Neoscona theisi (Walckenaer, 1841) is an orb-weaving spider species. Females of this species reach a maximum body length of 11 mm (0.43 in), while males are slightly smaller, reaching a maximum body length of 9 mm (0.35 in). These spiders build orb webs, and rest near the center of their webs. Individual spiders vary in color, ranging from dark reddish-brown to pale yellow. They have a distinct pattern on the upper surface of their abdomen: the pattern is lighter along the abdomen's central line, and darker along the abdomen's sides. Their legs are light-colored, with dark patches at the leg joints. Their sternum is a dark, shield-shaped structure with a pale yellow longitudinal stripe along its mid-line. This dark-striped sternum contrasts with the pale coxae of the adjacent leg joints. A characteristic longitudinal groove on the carapace distinguishes all Neoscona species, including Neoscona theisi, from species in the genus Araneus.
