The spotted orb weaver is a tiny spider that lives in places like Florida, Maine, Arizona, and Minnesota. Part of the orb weavers family, they usually roam at night. But, when fall arrives, female spiders change their routine and come out during the day.
Eggs have a spherical shape, each sizing 0.19-0.47 in (5-12 mm) released in groups of about 1,000 at a time in a sac prepared from yellow and fluffy threads. They hatch in spring.
Right after the hatching, the young ones are on their own. The juvenile females start weaving, while the males look for food.
Every night, this spider spins a new round and swirly web on things like walls, trees, or fences, not too high off the ground. When morning comes, the spider eats up the web.
Yes, spotted orb weaver spiders have venom, but it’s generally not harmful to humans.
Spotted orb weaver spiders can bite, but it’s rare. If they do, the bite is usually mild and similar to a bee sting for most people.
The Spotted Orb Weaver, scientifically named Neoscona crucifera, is an essential player in controlling insect populations. This spider’s nocturnal activities help maintain ecological balance by preying on nocturnal insects that might otherwise damage crops and gardens. In the fall, the diurnal shift in female behavior can be attributed to the mating season and the need to increase body temperature for egg development.
Natural Predators: This spider is preyed upon by a variety of birds and larger insects. The spider’s coloration and patterns provide some camouflage against predators, blending with foliage and the bark of trees.
Prey-Predator Dynamics: The Spotted Orb Weaver’s web is a masterpiece of natural engineering designed to capture flying insects such as moths and flies. Their venom paralyzes prey, allowing the spider to consume it at their leisure.
Relationship with Humans: Generally, these spiders are harmless to humans and can be considered beneficial due to their predation on common pests. The fear they might provoke is disproportionate to the actual risk they pose, which is minimal.
| Also Known as | Hentz’s orb weaver, the barn spider |
| Distribution | U.S.A and Mexico |
| Habitat | Grassy areas, gardens, and buildings |
| Diet | Moths and flies |
| Lifespan | 12 months |
| Predators | Larger insects and birds |
| IUCN Conservation Status | Not listed |
In summary, the Spotted Orb Weaver is a non-threatening, advantageous arachnid that plays a crucial role in its habitat.
The spotted orb weaver is a tiny spider that lives in places like Florida, Maine, Arizona, and Minnesota. Part of the orb weavers family, they usually roam at night. But, when fall arrives, female spiders change their routine and come out during the day.
Eggs have a spherical shape, each sizing 0.19-0.47 in (5-12 mm) released in groups of about 1,000 at a time in a sac prepared from yellow and fluffy threads. They hatch in spring.
Right after the hatching, the young ones are on their own. The juvenile females start weaving, while the males look for food.
Every night, this spider spins a new round and swirly web on things like walls, trees, or fences, not too high off the ground. When morning comes, the spider eats up the web.
Yes, spotted orb weaver spiders have venom, but it’s generally not harmful to humans.
Spotted orb weaver spiders can bite, but it’s rare. If they do, the bite is usually mild and similar to a bee sting for most people.
The Spotted Orb Weaver, scientifically named Neoscona crucifera, is an essential player in controlling insect populations. This spider’s nocturnal activities help maintain ecological balance by preying on nocturnal insects that might otherwise damage crops and gardens. In the fall, the diurnal shift in female behavior can be attributed to the mating season and the need to increase body temperature for egg development.
Natural Predators: This spider is preyed upon by a variety of birds and larger insects. The spider’s coloration and patterns provide some camouflage against predators, blending with foliage and the bark of trees.
Prey-Predator Dynamics: The Spotted Orb Weaver’s web is a masterpiece of natural engineering designed to capture flying insects such as moths and flies. Their venom paralyzes prey, allowing the spider to consume it at their leisure.
Relationship with Humans: Generally, these spiders are harmless to humans and can be considered beneficial due to their predation on common pests. The fear they might provoke is disproportionate to the actual risk they pose, which is minimal.
| Also Known as | Hentz’s orb weaver, the barn spider |
| Distribution | U.S.A and Mexico |
| Habitat | Grassy areas, gardens, and buildings |
| Diet | Moths and flies |
| Lifespan | 12 months |
| Predators | Larger insects and birds |
| IUCN Conservation Status | Not listed |
In summary, the Spotted Orb Weaver is a non-threatening, advantageous arachnid that plays a crucial role in its habitat.
Dr. James Watuwa on December 29, 2018.
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