Cyrtophora

Cyrtophora, the tent-web spiders, although technically orb-web spiders (family Araneidae), do not build orb webs. Their tent-like, highly complex non-sticky web is sometimes considered a precursor of the simplified orb web. These webs are aligned horizontally, with a network of supporting threads above them. These spiders often live in colonies. Females have a body length of mostly about 10 mm.

A tent-web spider (Cyrtophora moluccensis) suspended beneath its web

Some members (e.g. Cyrtophora cicatrosa) exhibit the ability to change colour rapidly.[1]

A kleptoparasitic spider (Argyrodes fissifrons) was found to live in a mutualistic relationships with Cyrtophora species.[2] Some of the species are considered social spiders, and build large structures where the territories of the offspring are built along the margin of the mothers web.[3]