Explore the red-femured spotted orb weaver spider, part of the orb weavers family. With a name like “domiciliorum,” which means “of dwellings” in Latin, it’s no surprise they often live around buildings. Stay tuned for interesting facts about this unique creature.
They lay their eggs inside a sac made of webbing.
Spiderlings stay inside the sac until winter ends, emerging during spring.
Webs are up to 50 cm in diameter, shaped like a wheel, with longer frame lines attached to shrubbery or the ground. There are only one or two threads inside the central circle. Female spiders build these webs at dusk, frequently replacing them before daybreak. However, the webs are not replaced by the female when she is preparing to lay eggs due to greater nutritional needs. This web is connected to a retreat made of leaves and silk where the spiders stay during the day.
Yes, red-femured spotted orbweaver spiders have venom, like most spiders, but it’s mostly harmless to humans.
Yes, they can bite if they feel threatened, but their bite is usually not severe and is similar to a bee sting for most people.
Red-femured Spotted Orbweaver
These spiders play a critical role in controlling insect populations, contributing to the balance of ecosystems. Their presence around human dwellings helps manage pests naturally. Their behavior is primarily nocturnal, and they are known for their efficiency in catching prey such as insects which are attracted to lights at night.
Natural Predators: Birds, larger insects, and small mammals are common predators of the red-femured spotted orb weaver spider. Their webs, while effective for catching prey, also expose them to these natural threats.
Prey-Predator Dynamics: The diet of these spiders mainly consists of various insects, which they capture in their webs. The dynamic between these spiders and their prey is one of nature’s many complex relationships, showcasing the importance of each species in their respective roles.
Relationship with Humans: Humans and red-femured spotted orb weaver spiders generally have a beneficial relationship. These spiders are not aggressive towards humans and often go unnoticed due to their nocturnal habits and preference for less trafficked areas. However, their presence is advantageous to humans since they help control insect populations.
| Other names | Spotted orb weaver (name shared with Neoscona crucifera) |
| Lifespan | Around 1 year |
| Distribution | The United States, primarily Indiana, Massachusetts, and Texas |
| Habitat | Woodland habitats, mainly those with hardwood trees |
| Diet | Insects |
In summary, the red-femured spotted orb weaver spider is an integral part of both natural and human-influenced environments.
Image Source: inaturalist.org, m.psecn.photoshelter.com
Explore the red-femured spotted orb weaver spider, part of the orb weavers family. With a name like “domiciliorum,” which means “of dwellings” in Latin, it’s no surprise they often live around buildings. Stay tuned for interesting facts about this unique creature.
They lay their eggs inside a sac made of webbing.
Spiderlings stay inside the sac until winter ends, emerging during spring.
Webs are up to 50 cm in diameter, shaped like a wheel, with longer frame lines attached to shrubbery or the ground. There are only one or two threads inside the central circle. Female spiders build these webs at dusk, frequently replacing them before daybreak. However, the webs are not replaced by the female when she is preparing to lay eggs due to greater nutritional needs. This web is connected to a retreat made of leaves and silk where the spiders stay during the day.
Yes, red-femured spotted orbweaver spiders have venom, like most spiders, but it’s mostly harmless to humans.
Yes, they can bite if they feel threatened, but their bite is usually not severe and is similar to a bee sting for most people.
Red-femured Spotted Orbweaver
These spiders play a critical role in controlling insect populations, contributing to the balance of ecosystems. Their presence around human dwellings helps manage pests naturally. Their behavior is primarily nocturnal, and they are known for their efficiency in catching prey such as insects which are attracted to lights at night.
Natural Predators: Birds, larger insects, and small mammals are common predators of the red-femured spotted orb weaver spider. Their webs, while effective for catching prey, also expose them to these natural threats.
Prey-Predator Dynamics: The diet of these spiders mainly consists of various insects, which they capture in their webs. The dynamic between these spiders and their prey is one of nature’s many complex relationships, showcasing the importance of each species in their respective roles.
Relationship with Humans: Humans and red-femured spotted orb weaver spiders generally have a beneficial relationship. These spiders are not aggressive towards humans and often go unnoticed due to their nocturnal habits and preference for less trafficked areas. However, their presence is advantageous to humans since they help control insect populations.
| Other names | Spotted orb weaver (name shared with Neoscona crucifera) |
| Lifespan | Around 1 year |
| Distribution | The United States, primarily Indiana, Massachusetts, and Texas |
| Habitat | Woodland habitats, mainly those with hardwood trees |
| Diet | Insects |
In summary, the red-femured spotted orb weaver spider is an integral part of both natural and human-influenced environments.
Image Source: inaturalist.org, m.psecn.photoshelter.com
Roy Williams on May 24, 2022.
Spider Team
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