This incredible arachnid most frequently goes by the appropriate and descriptive common name of the Long-Horned Orb Weaver. Macracantha is a genus of Asian orb-weaver spiders recognized as containing the species, Macracantha arcuata, although some schemes also recognise inclusion of Gasteracantha hasselti in this genus.

Macracantha is notable for the extremely long, curved spines on the abdomens of female members of the genus. The females of this genus have tough, shell-like abdomens armed with three pairs of spines. The spectacular middle (median) spines project upward and outward, curving in toward each other along their length. They are up to three times as long (20–26 mm) as the abdomen is wide (8–9 mm).