Hentz Orb-Weaver, Spotted Orb-Weaver
Neoscona crucifera
Araneidae (Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
The spider has a bulky, highly rounded, bulbous abdomen and a smaller cephalothorax covered in fine, dense setae giving it a velvety appearance. The female is significantly larger and heavier than the male.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 10 to 18 mm for females, with a leg span of roughly 25 to 40 mm. This specimen appears to be an adult female.
Coloration & Markings
Predominantly rich reddish-brown, tan, and orange hues. The dorsal abdomen features subtle variations or a faint cross-like or leaf-like folium pattern, typical of the species.
Web Type
Vertical orb web constructed using sticky silk spirals, typically built at night and often taken down and rebuilt daily.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two rows, with lateral eyes situated close together on small tubercles, typical of the orb-weaver family.
Leg Characteristics
Long, robust legs featuring distinct dark banding and prominent spines, often held in a wide-spread defensive or resting posture.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains mild neurotoxic venom designed specifically to immobilize small invertebrate prey. It is not potent enough to cause harm to humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. A bite may cause minor, localized redness or swelling similar to a mosquito bite, but they rarely bite unless heavily provoked.
Safety Recommendations
No special safety measures needed. If located in an inconvenient spot, gently relocate the spider using a cup and piece of paper.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found across North America, commonly inhabiting gardens, wooden structures, porches, shrubs, and forest edges where structures offer anchor points for large webs.
Behavior & Temperament
Docile and non-aggressive. Often hides in a retreat near the web during the day and sits at the center of the web at night to await prey.
Diet & Prey
Feeds primarily on flying insects such as moths, beetles, mosquitoes, and flies caught in its vertical orb web.
Seasonal Activity
Most active and noticeable during late summer and autumn when females reach maximum size and maturity.
Description
The Hentz Orb-Weaver is a quintessential autumn garden spider, recognized by its robust, reddish-brown body and large, masterfully constructed wheel-shaped webs. While their presence near human dwellings can be surprising, they are harmless, beneficial neighbors that act as natural pest control.
Key Features
Bulbous, hairy reddish-brown abdomen, large size, vertical orb web construction, and nocturnal habit of sitting head-down at the web center.
Similar Species
Other Neoscona species such as Neoscona domiciliorum (Barn Spider) and Araneus cavaticus, which can be distinguished by specific abdominal pattern details.
Life Cycle
Females construct silk egg sacs in protected crevices during autumn, containing hundreds of eggs. Spiderlings hatch in spring and disperse via ballooning.
Ecological Importance
Serves a vital role in regulating flying insect populations around gardens and homes while acting as prey for birds and small mammals.
Conservation Status
Secure and widespread, with stable populations across its native geographic range.
Interesting Facts
Many orb-weavers consume their own webs each morning to recycle the protein-rich silk before building a fresh web the following evening.
Photography Tips
Best photographed at night using a flashlight or ring flash to highlight the reflective details and color patterns against the dark backdrop.
Identified: 2026-08-31T13:03:40.350755