It is native to southern and East Africa, as well as several islands of the western Indian Ocean (Madagascar, the Seychelles, Réunion, Mauritius, Rodrigues).

[citation needed] Trichonephila species remain in their webs permanently, so have a higher predation risk.

The spider is able to adjust pigment intensity relative to background light levels and color; the range of spectral reflectance is specifically adapted to insect vision.

The spider removes and consumes the portion to be replaced, builds new radial elements, then spins the new spirals.

In relation to the ground, the webs of adults may be woven from eye-level upwards high into the tree canopy.

Adjacent to one face of the main orb, a rather extensive and haphazard-looking network of guard-strands may be suspended a few cm distant across a free space.

[citation needed] This species feeds on flies, mosquitoes, moths, wasps and beetles who happen to get tangled up.