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Giant Lichen Orb Weaver (Araneus bicentenarius)

Discover the world of the Giant Lichen Orb Weaver, a spider native to areas in the United States and Canada. Known for their impressive size, these spiders are fascinating creatures. Here, you’ll uncover interesting facts about them.

Scientific Classification

Giant Lichen Orbweaver

Physical Description and Identification

  • Size: Female spiders are 0.78 – 1.18 inches (2 – 3 cm) while males are around 0.39 inches (1 cm).

Giant Lichen Orbweaver Size

  • Color: Their abdomen has blotches of light green or reddish-brown. They also have blotchy green legs, with a reddish-orange base and a black band.
  • Other Characteristic Features: They have prominent humps on their abdomen.
Giant Lichen Orbweaver Spider

Eggs

This species lays eggs in a silk sac that the female spider spins prior to the reproduction period.

Spiderlings

The spiderlings have a pale green body and mostly disperse from their kin in a few days after hatching.

The Web

The Giant lichen orb weaver makes orb-shaped spiral webs with a diameter of up to 8 feet. They do not stay in the middle of their web in an upside-down posture. Instead, these spiders sit at the edge, waiting for their prey.

Giant Lichen Orbweaver Web

Photo Credit: Chuck Sutherland

Are Giant Lichen Orb Weaver Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Giant Lichen Orb Weaver Spiders are venomous, but their venom is generally not harmful to humans.

Can Giant Lichen Orb Weaver Spiders Bite?

Yes, they can bite if threatened, but their bites are usually not severe for humans and are rare.

Araneus Bicentenarius

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Giant Lichen Orb Weaver

The Giant Lichen Orb Weaver plays a vital role in controlling insect populations. Their predation helps keep a balance in the ecosystem, preventing overpopulation of their prey species.

Natural Predator: Birds and small mammals are among the natural predators of these spiders, which adds another layer to the intricate web of the food chain in forest ecosystems.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: By consuming insects and wasps, the Giant Lichen Orb Weaver helps to regulate the populations of these species, contributing to the health of their habitats.

Relationship with Humans: Humans rarely encounter these spiders as they are shy and prefer to keep to themselves in the forests. When encounters do happen, it’s important to remember that these spiders are not aggressive toward humans and bites are rare.

Giant Lichen Orbweaver Image

Quick Facts

Lifespan1 year
DistributionSoutheastern Canada and the United States (eastern part)
HabitatForests
DietInsects and wasps

Did You Know

  • McCook, in 1888, described this species for the first time.

In wrapping up, the Giant Lichen Orb Weaver is a key forest predator with minimal human risk, contributing significantly to ecological balance.

Giant Lichen Orbweaver Spider Image

Discover the world of the Giant Lichen Orb Weaver, a spider native to areas in the United States and Canada. Known for their impressive size, these spiders are fascinating creatures. Here, you’ll uncover interesting facts about them.

Giant Lichen Orbweaver

Physical Description and Identification

  • Size: Female spiders are 0.78 – 1.18 inches (2 – 3 cm) while males are around 0.39 inches (1 cm).

Giant Lichen Orbweaver Size

  • Color: Their abdomen has blotches of light green or reddish-brown. They also have blotchy green legs, with a reddish-orange base and a black band.
  • Other Characteristic Features: They have prominent humps on their abdomen.
Giant Lichen Orbweaver Spider

Eggs

This species lays eggs in a silk sac that the female spider spins prior to the reproduction period.

Spiderlings

The spiderlings have a pale green body and mostly disperse from their kin in a few days after hatching.

The Web

The Giant lichen orb weaver makes orb-shaped spiral webs with a diameter of up to 8 feet. They do not stay in the middle of their web in an upside-down posture. Instead, these spiders sit at the edge, waiting for their prey.

Giant Lichen Orbweaver Web

Photo Credit: Chuck Sutherland

Are Giant Lichen Orb Weaver Spiders Venomous?

Yes, Giant Lichen Orb Weaver Spiders are venomous, but their venom is generally not harmful to humans.

Can Giant Lichen Orb Weaver Spiders Bite?

Yes, they can bite if threatened, but their bites are usually not severe for humans and are rare.

Araneus Bicentenarius

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Giant Lichen Orb Weaver

The Giant Lichen Orb Weaver plays a vital role in controlling insect populations. Their predation helps keep a balance in the ecosystem, preventing overpopulation of their prey species.

Natural Predator: Birds and small mammals are among the natural predators of these spiders, which adds another layer to the intricate web of the food chain in forest ecosystems.

Prey-Predator Dynamics: By consuming insects and wasps, the Giant Lichen Orb Weaver helps to regulate the populations of these species, contributing to the health of their habitats.

Relationship with Humans: Humans rarely encounter these spiders as they are shy and prefer to keep to themselves in the forests. When encounters do happen, it’s important to remember that these spiders are not aggressive toward humans and bites are rare.

Giant Lichen Orbweaver Image

Quick Facts

Lifespan1 year
DistributionSoutheastern Canada and the United States (eastern part)
HabitatForests
DietInsects and wasps

Did You Know

  • McCook, in 1888, described this species for the first time.

In wrapping up, the Giant Lichen Orb Weaver is a key forest predator with minimal human risk, contributing significantly to ecological balance.

Giant Lichen Orbweaver Spider Image