Ninja-star Ceiling Spider

Identification and feeding

The humped spider makes an orb web with very fine, wool-like capture fibres rather than the glue droplets used by many other orb weavers. Research on Zosis geniculata directly documents this cribellate silk structure. It is a predatory spider without venom glands; prey handling and external digestion therefore deserve separate treatment from the venom-assisted feeding of most familiar spiders.

Life cycle and research limits

The species produces silk-covered egg sacs. Published laboratory work examines its digestive enzymes and silk investment, but those experiments do not establish its breeding season, prey spectrum, population size, or effect on native insects on Kauaʻi.

Kauaʻi occurrence and evidence

Atlas occurrence category: Present. The Kauaʻi record is classified as “Present”. Its cited evidence source is iNaturalist Kauaʻi checklist.

Account coverage

Published species details have been added. A complete Kauaʻi-specific account of identification, habitat, feeding, reproduction, and population trend is not yet established by the sources linked here.

Names and classification

Scientific name

Zosis geniculata

Common names

Ninja-star Ceiling Spider

Family

Uloboridae

Order

Araneae

Record type

species

Kauaʻi occurrence and status

Kauaʻi occurrence

Present

Origin

Introduced

Conservation status

Not assessed

Process and seasonal context

Seasonal description

Ninja-star Ceiling Spider (Zosis geniculata) belongs to Uloboridae in the order Araneae. Its recorded origin status is introduced.

Sources and further reading

• iNaturalist Kauaʻi checklist
• Identification and feeding — species source
• Identification and feeding — species source
• Life cycle and research limits — species source