Cyrtophora

Cyrtophora is a genus of orb-weaver spiders belonging to the family Araneidae. These spiders are commonly known as tent-web spiders or dome-web spiders due to the distinctive dome-shaped or tent-like structure they build within their orb webs. The genus is found in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe, including Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas.

Species within Cyrtophora are characterized by their elaborate webs, which often feature a three-dimensional, non-sticky mesh in the upper part of the web, with the sticky capture spiral located below. This unique web structure likely serves to deflect prey and perhaps provide protection from predators. The spiders themselves are often brightly colored, with females typically larger and more robust than males. They are solitary hunters, and their diet consists mainly of flying insects. Some species exhibit communal web building, where multiple females cooperate to construct a large, shared web, though they still hunt individually within it. The reproduction cycle involves males often approaching females cautiously to mate, and females guard their egg sacs.