The cat-faced sider, also called the jewel spider, is a nocturnal spider species, with low toxicity levels. Belonging to the family of orb-weavers, they are said to weave wheel-shaped, spiral webs, a common feature of all spiders in this group.
Size: Males are between 5mm and 8 mm, while the females are larger, growing 13mm to 25 mm.
Color: These spiders differ in color, as some may be as pale as a straw while others could have a dark brown body. Red, white and ivory are the other possible colors they may be found in.
Other Characteristic Features: Being a member of the Angulate orb-weaver genus, both sexes have a bulbous abdomen along with frontal projections on both sides, with a white line intersecting in between. They are often found in an upside-down posture as they prefer sitting with their head pointing towards the ground.
Tiny, round or disc-shaped, contained in a small egg sac made of silk.
Small in size, they come out of the egg sac in 2 to 3 weeks’ time and disperse through the process of ballooning.
It might inflict a pinching bite if handled, but it often does not penetrate the skin. In any case, there is little chance of any serious health hazard as the venom they produce is harmless to humans.
Lifespan | Few weeks ( Males mostly die post mating and females after producing the first egg sac) |
Distribution | United States (Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, California, Illinois, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Michigan, Nebraska, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Wisconsin); Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Quebec) |
Habitat | Near light fixtures, around buildings, underwoods, and animal burrows |
Common predators | Black and yellow mud-dauber (most prominent enemy), several insects and other spiders |
Diet | The younger ones eat their siblings, while the older ones thrive on small and large insects |
Cat Face Spider Web
These spiders serve as good pets, helping their owner keep his home and garden free of insects, especially in late summer.
Image Credits: Earthkind.com, Wildutah.us, Bugguide.net, I.pinimg.com, I.imgur.com, Freerangestock.com, 4.bp.blogspot.com
The cat-faced sider, also called the jewel spider, is a nocturnal spider species, with low toxicity levels. Belonging to the family of orb-weavers, they are said to weave wheel-shaped, spiral webs, a common feature of all spiders in this group.
Size: Males are between 5mm and 8 mm, while the females are larger, growing 13mm to 25 mm.
Color: These spiders differ in color, as some may be as pale as a straw while others could have a dark brown body. Red, white and ivory are the other possible colors they may be found in.
Other Characteristic Features: Being a member of the Angulate orb-weaver genus, both sexes have a bulbous abdomen along with frontal projections on both sides, with a white line intersecting in between. They are often found in an upside-down posture as they prefer sitting with their head pointing towards the ground.
Tiny, round or disc-shaped, contained in a small egg sac made of silk.
Small in size, they come out of the egg sac in 2 to 3 weeks’ time and disperse through the process of ballooning.
It might inflict a pinching bite if handled, but it often does not penetrate the skin. In any case, there is little chance of any serious health hazard as the venom they produce is harmless to humans.
Lifespan | Few weeks ( Males mostly die post mating and females after producing the first egg sac) |
Distribution | United States (Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, California, Illinois, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Michigan, Nebraska, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Wisconsin); Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Quebec) |
Habitat | Near light fixtures, around buildings, underwoods, and animal burrows |
Common predators | Black and yellow mud-dauber (most prominent enemy), several insects and other spiders |
Diet | The younger ones eat their siblings, while the older ones thrive on small and large insects |
Cat Face Spider Web
These spiders serve as good pets, helping their owner keep his home and garden free of insects, especially in late summer.
Image Credits: Earthkind.com, Wildutah.us, Bugguide.net, I.pinimg.com, I.imgur.com, Freerangestock.com, 4.bp.blogspot.com