Parawixia dehaani, known in Australia as the abandoned-web orb-weaver, is a species of orb weaver spider from the family Araneidae which is widely distributed in Australasia and eastern Asia.[1] It is common in gardens, leading to it sometimes being known by the name common garden spider.[2] The specific name is sometimes spelt dehaanii.[1]
The female Parawixia dehaani is a large, dark brown spider with variable patterns on the abdomen. The most noticeable field characteristic is the triangular abdomen having corners with sharp spikes.[3]
It has a close relative Parawixia bistriata, which is mainly found in South America.
The species is found from India to the Philippines, New Guinea[1] and Australia.[4] It has also been recorded in Pakistan.[5]
Parawixia dehaani is found in gardens, disturbed areas and nearby bushland.[4]
Parawaixia dehaani is nocturnal and feeds mainly on moths. During the day the spider shelters under a leaf in the vegetation.[2] It builds a vertical orb web with an open hub, which often looks damaged, with sections missing, hence the Australian common name, abandoned-web orb-weaver.[4] When disturbed the spiders falls to the ground and plays dead with its legs retracted.[4] Bats have been recorded as being captured by this spider.[6]