About Neoscona oaxacensis (Keyserling, 1864)
Neoscona oaxacensis is a relatively large spider, with distinct size differences between females and males. Females have a total body length of around 9–18 mm (0.35–0.7 in); their carapace is roughly 4–8 mm (0.15–0.3 in) long and 3–6 mm (0.1–0.25 in) wide. Males are smaller, with a total body length of around 6–13 mm (0.25–0.5 in); their carapace is roughly 3–6 mm (0.1–0.25 in) long and 3–5 mm (0.1–0.2 in) wide. Specimens collected from the Galápagos are among the largest known individuals of this species. A distinctive feature of the species is the black-and-white pattern on the dorsal (upper) surface of the abdomen. Specimens found in South America have more slender abdomens than those found in North America, and also have a more distinct light-colored central abdominal band with wavy edges. When viewed from the rear, the female epigyne appears 2.5 times as long as it is wide. The male palp has an S-shaped conductor.
