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Red-femured Spotted Orbweaver Spider (Neoscona domiciliorum)

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.

Table Of Content hide

Physical Description and Identification

Are Red-femured Spotted Orbweaver Spiders Venomous?

Can Red-femured Spotted Orbweaver Spiders Bite?

Ecological Importance and Behavior of Red-femured Spotted Orbweaver

Quick Facts

Did You Know

Physical Description and Identification

Adults

Size: Male: 0.8 cm (0.31 in) Female: 0.7 to 1.6 cm (0.28 to 0.63 in)
Color: The abdomen of these spiders is covered with bright yellowish-white markings on the dorsal side and four white spots on the reddish underside. The dorsal markings resemble a cruciform shape, combining black stripes on both sides with a white band near the front. Each leg of this spider has a red first segment, giving the spider its name, while the rest are black and gray.
Other Characteristic Features: Similar to other spiders in this genus, their abdomen has a groove. The females are covered in sparse short, gray hairs.

Eggs

They lay their eggs inside a sac made of webbing.

Spiderlings

Spiderlings stay inside the sac until winter ends, emerging during spring.

The Web

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.

Are Red-femured Spotted Orbweaver Spiders Venomous?

Yes, red-femured spotted orbweaver spiders have venom, like most spiders, but it’s mostly harmless to humans.

Can Red-femured Spotted Orbweaver Spiders Bite?

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.

Ecological Importance and Behavior of 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.

Quick Facts

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

Did You Know

French-American arachnologist Nicholas Marcellus Hentz first described this species in 1847.

In summary, the red-femured spotted orb weaver spider is an integral part of both natural and human-influenced environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a red-femured spotted orb weaver look like?

A red-femured spotted orb weaver has a distinct abdomen with yellowish-white cruciform markings on top and four white spots on its reddish underside. Its most notable feature is its legs, where the first segment is red while the rest are black and gray. Females also have sparse, short gray hairs.

Why is it called the red-femured spotted orb weaver?

This spider gets its name from its most prominent physical trait: the first segment of each leg, known as the femur, is a distinct red color. The rest of its legs are typically black and gray. The “spotted” part of its name refers to the four white spots on its reddish underside.

Where do red-femured spotted orb weavers typically live?

Red-femured spotted orb weavers often live near human dwellings, reflected in their scientific name, Neoscona domiciliorum, meaning “of dwellings.” They build webs on shrubbery or buildings, with frame lines attached to the ground. During the day, they hide in a nearby retreat made of leaves and silk.

How large are the webs of Neoscona domiciliorum?

The webs of Neoscona domiciliorum can be quite large, reaching up to 50 cm (about 20 inches) in diameter. These classic wheel-shaped webs are characterized by having only one or two threads inside the central circle and long frame lines that anchor the web to shrubbery or the ground.

Are red-femured spotted orb weavers venomous to people?

Yes, red-femured spotted orb weavers possess venom, but it is not considered medically significant and is mostly harmless to humans. Like most spiders, they can bite if they feel threatened or are provoked, but the effect is typically mild and often compared to a common bee sting.

When do red-femured spotted orb weavers build their webs?

Red-femured spotted orb weavers are nocturnal web builders, typically constructing their large, wheel-shaped webs at dusk. The female spider frequently replaces the web each night, often taking it down before daybreak. She may stop this behavior when preparing to lay eggs to conserve energy and nutrients.

How big do female red-femured spotted orb weavers get?

Adult female red-femured spotted orb weavers are larger than males, typically measuring between 0.7 to 1.6 cm (0.28 to 0.63 inches) in body length. In contrast, the males are smaller and more slender, usually around 0.8 cm (0.31 inches). This size difference is common among many spider species.

Red-femured Spotted Orbweaver Spider (Neoscona domiciliorum)