Hentz Orb-weaver, Spotted Orb-weaver, Barn Spider
Neoscona crucifera
Araneidae (Orb-weavers), Order Araneae. Key family traits include building circular, spiral webs and having a large, rounded abdomen.
Physical Description
A robust spider with a large, globose abdomen that is slightly pointed at the rear. The body is densely covered in fine, bristly hairs, giving it a fuzzy or 'velvety' appearance. The cephalothorax is smaller and flatter.
Size Estimate
Based on the leaf, this is an adult female. Females typically have a body length of 9-20mm (leg span 25-50mm), while males are significantly smaller (5-10mm).
Coloration & Markings
Variable shades of rust-orange, brown, or tan. The dorsal abdomen usually displays a cross-like or 'cruciform' pattern of lighter spots. On the underside, two white 'broken' parenthesis marks are typical. Legs often show faint banding.
Web Type
Large, vertical orb web (circular) often reaching 2 feet in diameter. In some locations, they build a new web every evening and consume it at dawn to recycle the silk.
Eye Arrangement
Not clearly visible in photo, but characteristic of Araneidae: eight eyes in two rows of four, with the median eyes clustered in a central trapezoidal shape.
Leg Characteristics
Strong, moderately thick legs covered in distinct spines (macrosetae). In the photo, a defensive or rest posture is shown where legs are pulled tight against the body.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses mild, protein-based venom intended to paralyze insects. The venom is not considered medically significant to humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless. A bite might cause minor localized swelling or redness similar to a bee sting. Medical attention is only necessary in the rare event of an allergic reaction.
Safety Recommendations
No action is needed. If the web is in a high-traffic area, safely relocate the spider using a jar. They are safe to have around the garden.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found throughout North America, particularly the eastern and central US. Prefers gardens, woodland edges, and man-made structures like porches and barns.
Behavior & Temperament
Primarily nocturnal, though often seen at dusk. They are docile and non-aggressive, usually retreating to a nearby crevice or 'bailing' out of the web if disturbed.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators targeting flying insects like moths, beetles, crane flies, and mosquitoes caught in the sticky spiral of the orb web.
Seasonal Activity
Most visible in late summer and autumn (August through October) when they reach maturity and size.
Description
The Hentz Orb-weaver is a classic 'Halloween spider' known for its impressive size and rust-colored fuzz. Often found around porch lights where insects congregate, they are master weavers of the night forest.
Key Features
Hairy/velvety body texture, rust-orange coloration, cruciform abdominal pattern, and the habit of building webs near artificial lights at night.
Similar Species
Araneus diadematus (Cross Spider) has more distinct white dots; Neoscona domiciliorum has a more vivid pattern and prefers woodland interiors.
Life Cycle
Mating occurs in late summer/fall. Females lay a yellow-colored egg sac in a protected leaf or crevice. Adults die after the first heavy frost; spiderlings emerge in the spring.
Ecological Importance
Highly beneficial as natural pest control, consuming large quantities of flying insects that may be garden pests or vectors for disease.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN, but currently widespread and abundant with no known major threats.
Interesting Facts
Members of this genus are known for their 'recycling' behavior, where they eat their own web every morning to regain the energy spent producing the silk proteins.
Photography Tips
Focus on the dorsal (top) abdomen to capture the 'cross' pattern. Use a flash at night to highlight the velvety hairs and eye reflections.
Identified: 2026-07-14T23:00:22.593587