The western spotted orb weaver spider is a member of the family of orb weaver spiders. It is found throughout the Americas and is similar in appearance to the Neoscona arabesca.
Size: Male: 0.6-1.3 cm (0.25–0.5 in) Female: 0.9-1.8 cm (0.35–0.7 in)
Color: There is a distinct black and white pattern on the dorsal side of their abdomen, with each spider having their own unique pattern.
Other Characteristic Features: Members of this species found in South America tend to have a more slender abdomen than those found in North America.
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.
While these spiders may bite if they feel threatened, their venom is not potent enough to cause permanent harm to humans.
Neoscona oaxacensis
| Other names | Zig-zag spider |
| Lifespan | Around 1 year |
| Distribution | In the United States, ranging 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 |
Image Source: bugguide.net, inaturalist.org
The western spotted orb weaver spider is a member of the family of orb weaver spiders. It is found throughout the Americas and is similar in appearance to the Neoscona arabesca.
Western Spotted Orbweaver
Size: Male: 0.6-1.3 cm (0.25–0.5 in) Female: 0.9-1.8 cm (0.35–0.7 in)
Color: There is a distinct black and white pattern on the dorsal side of their abdomen, with each spider having their own unique pattern.
Other Characteristic Features: Members of this species found in South America tend to have a more slender abdomen than those found in North America.
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.
While these spiders may bite if they feel threatened, their venom is not potent enough to cause permanent harm to humans.
Neoscona oaxacensis
| Other names | Zig-zag spider |
| Lifespan | Around 1 year |
| Distribution | In the United States, ranging 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 |
Image Source: bugguide.net, inaturalist.org
