Hentz Orb-Weaver, Spotted Orbweaver
Neoscona crucifera
Family Araneidae (Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
Robust, bulbous abdomen with a slightly hairy texture and a rounded body shape typical of orb-weavers, showing significant sexual dimorphism with females being noticeably larger and heavier than males.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 9 to 19 mm for females, with a leg span reaching up to 3 to 4 cm. This appears to be an adult female specimen.
Coloration & Markings
Variable coloration ranging from light brown, yellowish-orange, to reddish-brown. The dorsal abdomen typically features a distinct leaf-like pattern or cross markings, often accompanied by faint spots or lines.
Web Type
Large, vertical orb web constructed in open spaces, gardens, or near structures. Features a sticky spiral for catching flying insect prey and a central hub where the spider typically rests.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two horizontal rows typical of the Araneidae family, consisting of four central median eyes and two lateral pairs.
Leg Characteristics
Long, moderately thick legs with distinct dark and light banding, covered in fine hairs and spines used for sensory perception and gripping silk.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains mild neurotoxic venom tailored for immobilizing small insect prey. Not potent or dangerous to human health.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. A bite may cause minor, temporary local pain or swelling similar to a mosquito bite, requiring no special medical treatment.
Safety Recommendations
No special safety measures needed. If found indoors or in an inconvenient spot, gently encourage the spider onto a piece of cardboard and release it outdoors.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found widely across North America, inhabiting gardens, woodlands, shrubs, and around human-made structures like porches, fences, and outdoor furniture.
Behavior & Temperament
Docile and non-aggressive. Often hides in a retreat or sits quietly at the center of its web during the night, sometimes dismantling and rebuilding its web daily.
Diet & Prey
Carnivorous, feeding primarily on flying insects such as mosquitoes, flies, moths, beetles, and wasps caught in its orb web.
Seasonal Activity
Most active during late summer and autumn when adults reach full size and mate before dying off with the first hard frosts.
Description
The Hentz Orb-Weaver is a master architect of the night, spinning gorgeous wheel-shaped webs in gardens and around homes. With its warm brownish tones and intricate dorsal patterns, it is a striking yet completely harmless backyard neighbor that provides valuable natural pest control.
Key Features
Bulbous hairy abdomen with a leaf-like or cross pattern, large vertical orb web, nocturnal habits, and distinct leg banding.
Similar Species
Neoscona domiciliorum (Redlegged Orbweaver) and Araneus diadematus (European Garden Spider), distinguished by subtle differences in abdominal markings and leg coloration.
Life Cycle
Females construct silk egg sacs in protected crevices or foliage in autumn, laying hundreds of eggs. Spiderlings emerge in spring, dispersing via ballooning, and mature by late summer.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an important natural predator of flying insect populations, helping control pests while acting as a food source for birds and small mammals.
Conservation Status
Secure and common throughout its native range, with no special conservation status or threats.
Interesting Facts
Many orb-weavers consume their own webs daily to recycle proteins and rebuild fresh traps, and they are capable of sensing the slightest vibrations of trapped prey from the hub of the web.
Photography Tips
Best photographed at night using a macro lens and a gentle flash, as this is when they are active in their webs. Capture top-down dorsal shots to clearly show the abdominal pattern.
Identified: 2026-08-04T01:14:03.973899