Discover the world of the western spotted orb weaver spider! This fascinating creature belongs to the orb weaver spiders family and calls the Americas its home. You might even mistake it for its close look-alike, the Neoscona arabesca. Get ready to uncover interesting facts about this spider right here.
Adults tend to lay eggs inside a sac made of webbing in autumn. The spiders overwinter in this stage, emerging during the spring.
Juveniles remain inside the egg sac until they are mature enough to fend for themselves.
Similar to other orb weavers, their webs are circular. However, they lack the zigzag pattern in the center, which is seen in other members of their family.
Yes, Western Spotted Orbweaver Spiders are venomous, but their venom is generally not harmful to humans.
Yes, they can bite if they feel threatened. While the bite might cause mild discomfort, it’s usually not serious for most people.
The western spotted orb weaver spider is instrumental in controlling insect populations, thanks to its diet of common pests. By consuming a variety of insects, it helps maintain a healthy balance within its habitat.
Natural Predator: Natural predators of this spider include birds and larger insects that are able to breach the protective webbing and consume the spiders.
Prey-Predator Dynamics: Their role as predators in the food web is vital. They help keep pest insect populations in check, which can benefit agricultural areas and gardens by reducing the need for chemical pest control.
Relationship with Humans: Generally, these spiders are considered beneficial by humans. They contribute to the control of insects, and since they pose no significant threat due to their non-harmful venom, they are often welcome in and around homes and gardens.
| Other names | Zig-zag spider |
| Lifespan | Around 1 year |
| Distribution | In the United States, it ranges from Kansas and California to Venezuela and Peru in South America, including the Galápagos Islands. |
| Habitat | Open areas with sparse foliage |
| Diet | Beetles, flies, lice, mites, moths, and other insects |
In summary, the western spotted orb weaver is a key insect predator, beneficial to ecosystems and largely harmless to humans.
Discover the world of the western spotted orb weaver spider! This fascinating creature belongs to the orb weaver spiders family and calls the Americas its home. You might even mistake it for its close look-alike, the Neoscona arabesca. Get ready to uncover interesting facts about this spider right here.
Adults tend to lay eggs inside a sac made of webbing in autumn. The spiders overwinter in this stage, emerging during the spring.
Juveniles remain inside the egg sac until they are mature enough to fend for themselves.
Similar to other orb weavers, their webs are circular. However, they lack the zigzag pattern in the center, which is seen in other members of their family.
Yes, Western Spotted Orbweaver Spiders are venomous, but their venom is generally not harmful to humans.
Yes, they can bite if they feel threatened. While the bite might cause mild discomfort, it’s usually not serious for most people.
The western spotted orb weaver spider is instrumental in controlling insect populations, thanks to its diet of common pests. By consuming a variety of insects, it helps maintain a healthy balance within its habitat.
Natural Predator: Natural predators of this spider include birds and larger insects that are able to breach the protective webbing and consume the spiders.
Prey-Predator Dynamics: Their role as predators in the food web is vital. They help keep pest insect populations in check, which can benefit agricultural areas and gardens by reducing the need for chemical pest control.
Relationship with Humans: Generally, these spiders are considered beneficial by humans. They contribute to the control of insects, and since they pose no significant threat due to their non-harmful venom, they are often welcome in and around homes and gardens.
| Other names | Zig-zag spider |
| Lifespan | Around 1 year |
| Distribution | In the United States, it ranges from Kansas and California to Venezuela and Peru in South America, including the Galápagos Islands. |
| Habitat | Open areas with sparse foliage |
| Diet | Beetles, flies, lice, mites, moths, and other insects |
In summary, the western spotted orb weaver is a key insect predator, beneficial to ecosystems and largely harmless to humans.
Roy Williams on May 24, 2022.
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