Orb Weaver Spider

Leucauge mariana is a long-jawed orb weaver spider, native to Central America and South America. Its web building and sexual behavior have been studied extensively. Males perform several kinds of courtship behavior to induce females to copulate and to use their sperm. A spider is centered in its delicate web, illuminated against a dark, blurred background. The intricate web structure is visible, highlighting the spider's detailed markings.