Barn Spider, Hentz Orb-Weaver
Neoscona crucifera
Araneidae (Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae. Characterized by building vertical wheel-shaped webs and having robust, hairy bodies.
Physical Description
Robust body with a large, oval to rounded abdomen and a smaller cephalothorax. The abdomen is notably textured with fine hairs and distinct folium or spotted patterns.
Size Estimate
Body length typically ranges from 9 to 18 mm for females, with a leg span up to 40 mm. This specimen appears to be an adult or sub-adult.
Coloration & Markings
Warm reddish-brown to orange-brown base coloration. The abdomen features a mosaic of yellow-brown and darker brown markings, often with a subtle cross or leaf pattern.
Web Type
Vertical orb web constructed in evening hours, featuring a sticky spiral and a non-sticky hub where the spider typically hangs head-down.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two rows of four, typical of orb-weavers, with lateral eyes often paired on tubercles.
Leg Characteristics
Long, robust legs with noticeable dark and light banding, covered in prominent spines and hairs that aid in sensing vibrations in the web.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Mild neurotoxic venom used primarily to immobilize insect prey. Not dangerous to humans or pets.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. A bite may cause minor, temporary local pain or swelling similar to a mild mosquito bite, requiring no special medical treatment.
Safety Recommendations
No special safety measures required. If relocation is necessary, gently guide the spider into a container using a piece of cardstock and release outdoors.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found across North America, commonly near human structures, porches, barns, gardens, and wooded edges where artificial lights attract prey.
Behavior & Temperament
Docile and non-aggressive. Nocturnal builder, often retreating to a nearby hideout during daylight hours or sitting quietly in the center of the web.
Diet & Prey
Feeds primarily on flying nocturnal insects such as moths, beetles, mosquitoes, and flies caught in its sticky orb web.
Seasonal Activity
Most active and noticeable during late summer and autumn when individuals reach maximum adult size and webs become very prominent.
Description
The Barn Spider is a magnificent and harmless nocturnal architect, frequently spotted building its intricate wheel-shaped web near outdoor lighting. With its warm reddish-brown hues and gentle demeanor, it serves as a wonderful garden companion.
Key Features
Reddish-brown coloration, robust hairy legs, oval spotted abdomen, and construction of a large vertical orb web near light sources at night.
Similar Species
Spotted Orb-Weaver (Neoscona domiciliorum) and cross orb-weaver (Araneus diadematus), distinguished by slightly different abdominal markings and geographic color variations.
Life Cycle
Females lay eggs in a silken sac attached to bark or structures in autumn. Spiderlings hatch in spring, mature through summer, and typically complete a one-year life cycle.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an effective natural pest control agent by consuming large quantities of flying agricultural and household insect pests.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are widespread, stable, and highly resilient in human-modified environments.
Interesting Facts
Barn spiders frequently consume and rebuild their entire orb webs every single night to maintain the stickiness and integrity of the silk.
Photography Tips
Photograph at night with a macro lens and diffused flash to capture the vibrant reddish tones and clear details of the web and eye arrangement.
Identified: 2026-09-30T23:08:39.606677