Is this small green orb-web spider from South Africa, Araniella cucurbitina (Clerck, 1757)?

Abstract

Araniella cucurbitina (Clerck, 1757) is a small orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. It is a well-known species with awide distribution found throughout the Palearctic region, including most of Europe, parts of Western and Central Asia, and extending to China, Korea, and Japan. They are recognized by their bright green colour as well as the abdomen typically bearing six small black spots around the posterior edge. During surveys in South Africa, some specimens were recorded in 2014. This paper discusses the differences between the African cucumber Prasonica and Araniella species.