Australian Dewdrop Spider

Argyrodes antipodianus are generally between 2-3mm in length, with some variation between sexes and individuals. The carapace and legs are a dark brown colour whereas the abdomen is a striking bright silver colour (hence the "dew drop spider" common name) and has a conical shape.

Argyrodes antipodianus is known to occur in Eastern Australia, New Caledonia and most of New Zealand. These spiders do not occur in the southern half of the South Island of New Zealand. It has been proposed that this absence is due to their preference for warmer habitats.

Argyrodes antipodianus live on the webs of orbweaver spiders, with whom they have a kleptoparasitic relationship. Whilst living on the webs of the orbweaver spiders, A. antipodianus steals smaller prey items from the larger spiders, often to their detriment. One such spider that A. antipodianus co-occurs with is Nephila plumipes. A study found that the kleptoparasitic relationship between these two species resulted in N. plumipes gaining weight at a slower rate and relocating its web more frequently than individuals of the same species who were not being hindered by these spiders. The host spider may kill A. antipodianus if it is detected. To avoid this, A. antipodianus builds a "support web" which allows the spider to move without the host detecting its presence. Using support webs, the spider can move around almost freely and will steal food bundles and may even feed on prey the same time the host is feeding on it.

Known hosts. Some known hosts of A. antipodianus includes:

Araneus dimidiatus Argiope Cyrtophora Cyrtophora hirta Cyrtophora moluccensis Eriophora transmarina Eriophora pustulosa Gasteracantha Leucauge Nephila plumipes Nephila pilipes Nephilengys Plebs eburnus (syn. Araneus eburnus)

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