Hentz Orb-Weaver, Spotted Orbweaver
Neoscona crucifera
Family Araneidae (Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include building vertical wheel-shaped webs and eight similar-sized eyes.
Physical Description
Robust, hairy body with a broad, oval abdomen and a smaller cephalothorax. Shows pronounced sexual dimorphism, with females being significantly larger and bulkier than males.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 9 to 19 millimeters for females, with a leg span of around 30 to 40 millimeters. The specimen shown appears to be an adult.
Coloration & Markings
Variable coloration ranging from yellowish-brown to reddish-brown or dark grey. The abdomen typically features a distinct cross-like pattern or a series of spots and chevron markings, often outlined in white or light yellow.
Web Type
Vertical orb web constructed with sticky spiral threads designed to catch flying insect prey, typically rebuilt nightly.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two rows of four, typical of the orb-weaver family, with lateral eyes often positioned closely together in pairs.
Leg Characteristics
Long, strong legs adorned with distinct dark banding or rings, covered in hairs and spines, typically held spread out radially.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Mild venom used primarily to subdue small insect prey. Not medically significant to humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. A bite may cause minor, localized pain or swelling similar to a mosquito bite, requiring no special medical treatment.
Safety Recommendations
Leave undisturbed. If relocation is necessary, gently guide the spider into a container using a piece of cardstock and release it outdoors.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Common throughout North America, particularly the eastern and central regions, frequenting gardens, woodlands, and around human structures like porches and eaves.
Behavior & Temperament
Docile and non-aggressive. Nocturnal hunter that often retreats to a nearby hiding spot or sits in the center of the web at night.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predator feeding on flying insects such as moths, beetles, flies, and mosquitoes caught in its web.
Seasonal Activity
Most active and commonly seen during late summer and autumn when adults reach maximum size and mating occurs.
Description
A magnificent and common garden resident, the Hentz Orb-Weaver is a master architect crafting intricate vertical wheel webs. With its robust, patterned abdomen and nocturnal habits, it acts as a peaceful nocturnal guardian against flying insect pests around homes and gardens.
Key Features
Hairy, robust body, distinct cross or chevron abdominal markings, nocturnal web-building habits, and preference for vertical orb webs near outdoor lighting.
Similar Species
Other Neoscona species and Araneus species (such as the Barn Spider). Distinguished primarily by subtle differences in the abdominal markings and epigynum structure in females.
Life Cycle
Females produce spherical silk egg sacs in the autumn, containing hundreds of eggs. Spiderlings emerge in spring, dispersing via ballooning before maturing by late summer.
Ecological Importance
Plays a vital role in controlling populations of flying insect pests, serving as both predator and prey within local food webs.
Conservation Status
Secure and widespread, with stable populations facing no significant conservation threats.
Interesting Facts
Many orb-weavers consume their entire web each morning to recycle the protein-rich silk before spinning a fresh one the following evening.
Photography Tips
Best photographed at night using a flash to highlight the reflective patterns on the abdomen while it sits in the center of its web.
Identified: 2026-08-10T19:56:03.714161