Tropical Orb-Weaver
Eriophora ravilla
Araneidae (Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include building vertical circular webs, having eight similar eyes, and excellent tactile and visual senses for prey detection.
Physical Description
The spider exhibits a robust, bulbous body shape typical of large orb-weavers, featuring a broad, wrinkled, leaf-like or shield-shaped abdomen. The cephalothorax is smaller and covered in fine hairs. Pronounced sexual dimorphism is present, with females being significantly larger and heavier than males.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 15 to 25 mm for females, with a leg span reaching up to 50 mm or more. This specimen appears to be a mature, robust female.
Coloration & Markings
Extremely variable in color, ranging from reddish-brown and grayish-brown to bright green or yellow. The dorsal abdomen features distinctive white or pale spots, often forming a cross or patterned patches, along with darker mottled mottling that provides camouflage against bark or foliage.
Web Type
Constructs a classic, large vertical orb web used to intercept flying nocturnal insects. The web is often built late in the evening and frequently taken down or consumed by morning.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two rows of four on the anterior portion of the cephalothorax, typical of the Araneidae family, with lateral eyes often positioned in pairs.
Leg Characteristics
Long, strong legs equipped with prominent spines and distinct dark and light banding patterns. They are typically held outstretched or tucked closely when resting in a retreat.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic and proteolytic venom designed strictly to immobilize insect prey. It has very low potency regarding humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. A bite may cause minor, localized pain, redness, or swelling similar to a mosquito bite, but it is not medically significant and requires no special treatment beyond basic first aid.
Safety Recommendations
Leave the spider alone if it is outdoors. If it must be moved from a doorway, gently guide it into a container using a piece of card and relocate it to a nearby bush.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found primarily in the southeastern United States, Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America. Prefers wooded areas, gardens, and the exterior walls of buildings where artificial lights attract prey.
Behavior & Temperament
Nocturnal web-weaver that spends daylight hours hiding in nearby foliage or structural crevices, often connected to the web by a signal line. Generally docile and reluctant to bite, retreating when disturbed.
Diet & Prey
Feeds primarily on flying 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 females reach maximum size and build large webs to feed and lay eggs.
Description
The Tropical Orb-Weaver is a magnificent and harmless nighttime architect. With its large, beautifully patterned abdomen and industrious web-building habits, it serves as a fascinating resident of gardens and porches, silently managing insect populations.
Key Features
Large, wrinkled, shield-like abdomen with pale dorsal spots, robust build, and nocturnal vertical orb web construction.
Similar Species
Neoscona crucifera (Hentz Orb-Weaver) and Araneus cavaticus (Barn Spider). Distinguish by specific abdominal hump configurations, spot patterns, and geographic range.
Life Cycle
Females construct tough, silk egg sacs containing hundreds of eggs in protected crevices during autumn. Spiderlings emerge in spring, dispersing via ballooning, and mature by late summer or autumn.
Ecological Importance
Acts as a natural pest control agent by consuming large quantities of flying insects, helping to balance local micro-ecosystems.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are generally stable and widespread throughout their native range.
Interesting Facts
These spiders are notorious for building their large webs directly across pathways or doorways overnight, startling unsuspecting early morning walkers.
Photography Tips
Use a macro lens with a flash for night photography to highlight the intricate patterns on the dorsal abdomen against the dark background.
Identified: 2026-09-22T11:49:49.152667