Did you know there’s a spider called the Furrow spider? It belongs to the orb-weaver family. You can find them in places like North Africa, Europe, parts of Asia, and even in North and South America!
Females lay around 3-5 yellow eggs in a silken sac hidden under leaves or a cocoon.
By the time spiderlings emerge, both of their parents die, so they live independently from the beginning. They attain sexual maturity between 4 and 18 months.
They build orb webs close to the ground, mostly on damp vegetation or shrublands. Each night, they consume the web and then make a new one the next evening.
Yes, Furrow spiders do have venom. They use it to help catch their food. For most people, this venom isn’t really harmful.
Yep! If they feel threatened, they might give a little bite. It might be a tiny ouch, but it’s usually not too bad. Always nice to be gentle with small friends!
The Furrow spider plays a crucial role in controlling the population of smaller insects, contributing to the ecological balance of its habitat. Their nightly ritual of web reconstruction is not just a means of hunting, but also serves as a method of habitat maintenance, ensuring a fresh, sticky surface for capturing prey.
Natural Predators & Prey-Predator Dynamics: Despite their venomous bite, Furrow spiders are not without natural predators. Black and yellow mud daubers and birds frequently prey on these spiders, showcasing the dynamic and delicate balance within the ecosystem.
Relationship with Humans: Furrow spiders and humans maintain a generally harmonious coexistence. Their presence in gardens and moist habitats near human dwellings aids in controlling pest populations. Though their bite is venomous, it is of minimal concern to humans, emphasizing the importance of a respectful and gentle approach towards these fascinating creatures.
| Other Names | Furrow orb spider, foliate spider |
| Distribution | United States, Canada, eastern and southern Alaska, Japan, Eastern China, Egypt, Kamchatka Peninsula, and northeastern Algeria |
| Habitat | Mostly in moist areas near water bodies, and also in bridges, barns, and houses |
| Diet | Gnats, mosquitoes, and damselflies |
| Predators | Black and yellow mud daubers, and birds |
| Web Type | Orb web |
| IUCN Conservation Status | Not listed |
In conclusion, the Furrow spider, with its diverse habitats, unique physical characteristics, and vital ecological role, stands as a testament to the fascinating world of arachnids.
Did you know there’s a spider called the Furrow spider? It belongs to the orb-weaver family. You can find them in places like North Africa, Europe, parts of Asia, and even in North and South America!
Females lay around 3-5 yellow eggs in a silken sac hidden under leaves or a cocoon.
By the time spiderlings emerge, both of their parents die, so they live independently from the beginning. They attain sexual maturity between 4 and 18 months.
They build orb webs close to the ground, mostly on damp vegetation or shrublands. Each night, they consume the web and then make a new one the next evening.
Yes, Furrow spiders do have venom. They use it to help catch their food. For most people, this venom isn’t really harmful.
Yep! If they feel threatened, they might give a little bite. It might be a tiny ouch, but it’s usually not too bad. Always nice to be gentle with small friends!
The Furrow spider plays a crucial role in controlling the population of smaller insects, contributing to the ecological balance of its habitat. Their nightly ritual of web reconstruction is not just a means of hunting, but also serves as a method of habitat maintenance, ensuring a fresh, sticky surface for capturing prey.
Natural Predators & Prey-Predator Dynamics: Despite their venomous bite, Furrow spiders are not without natural predators. Black and yellow mud daubers and birds frequently prey on these spiders, showcasing the dynamic and delicate balance within the ecosystem.
Relationship with Humans: Furrow spiders and humans maintain a generally harmonious coexistence. Their presence in gardens and moist habitats near human dwellings aids in controlling pest populations. Though their bite is venomous, it is of minimal concern to humans, emphasizing the importance of a respectful and gentle approach towards these fascinating creatures.
| Other Names | Furrow orb spider, foliate spider |
| Distribution | United States, Canada, eastern and southern Alaska, Japan, Eastern China, Egypt, Kamchatka Peninsula, and northeastern Algeria |
| Habitat | Mostly in moist areas near water bodies, and also in bridges, barns, and houses |
| Diet | Gnats, mosquitoes, and damselflies |
| Predators | Black and yellow mud daubers, and birds |
| Web Type | Orb web |
| IUCN Conservation Status | Not listed |
In conclusion, the Furrow spider, with its diverse habitats, unique physical characteristics, and vital ecological role, stands as a testament to the fascinating world of arachnids.
Dr Richard J. Pearce (PhD) on June 25, 2019.
Spider Team
© 2023 (Spider Identifications). All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
Follow us on: 
