What is christmas spider?

The term "Christmas spider" typically refers to certain species of spiders that are often associated with the holiday season due to their colorful appearance. There are a few different contexts in which the term can be used:

  1. Australasian Context: In Australia and surrounding regions, the term "Christmas spider" often refers to the Austracantha minax, also known as the Australian Jewel Spider or Spiny Orb-Weaver. These spiders are small and notable for their bright, jewel-like markings and spiky appearance. They are harmless to humans and are usually seen during the summertime, which coincides with the Christmas season in the Southern Hemisphere.

  2. European Folklore: In some European countries, there is a Christmas legend involving a spider that is said to be responsible for the tradition of tinsel on Christmas trees. According to the folklore, a spider wove sparkling webs on a Christmas tree, and in the morning, the sunlight turned the webs into silver and gold. This story explains why tinsel is used to decorate Christmas trees.

While the "Christmas spider" isn't a specific species universally, these contexts highlight the cultural and regional significance such spiders might have during the holiday season.