23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Whispers on the silk

The image features Argiope pulchella, the Garden cross spider displaying the pronounced sexual dimorphism characteristic of the species. The larger, vividly striped female occupies the center of her orb-web which is distinguished by its zig-zag stabilimentum an adaptation thought to aid in prey attraction, predator deterrence, and structural support. Nearby the much smaller and drabber male positions himself along the web’s periphery, using carefully modulated vibrations to communicate his presence and avoid being mistaken for prey. Native to India and Southeast Asia, A. pulchella thrives across a range of environments from woodland edges and scrub habitats to urban gardens and drainage areas. This photograph captures the intricate interplay of morphology, behaviour, and web architecture that defines the species offering a detailed glimpse into the nuances of reproductive communication and ecological adaptation in orb-weaving spiders.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2024
Date Uploaded: 12.2025
Photo Location: Bhadrak, Odisha, India, India
Copyright: © Sritam Kumar Sethy