Hentz Orb-Weaver, Spotted Orbweaver
Neoscona crucifera
Family Araneidae (Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
Robust, hairy body with a distinctively swollen, bulbous abdomen featuring rounded shoulders and subtle scalloped markings. The cephalothorax is narrower, covered in dense, short setae.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 9 to 19 mm for females and 7 to 14 mm for males, with a substantial leg span reaching up to 40 mm. This appears to be an adult specimen.
Coloration & Markings
Varied coloration ranging from yellowish-brown, reddish-brown, to dark gray. The dorsal abdomen often features a distinct cross or leaf-like pattern outlined in white or light yellow, bordered by darker patches.
Web Type
Vertical orb web constructed with sticky spiral threads, typically ranging from 1 to 2 feet in diameter. Often built near porch lights or exterior walls to catch nocturnal flying insects.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two distinct rows on the anterior face of the cephalothorax, typical of the Araneidae family with lateral eyes often grouped together.
Leg Characteristics
Long, strong legs heavily adorned with prominent spines, bristles, and distinct dark and light banding patterns. Typically held outstretched in a defensive or waiting posture.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic venom tailored specifically to immobilize small insect prey. It has low potency regarding large mammals.
Medical Significance
Not medically significant to humans. A bite may cause minor, localized pain, redness, or swelling similar to a mosquito sting, resolving quickly without intervention.
Safety Recommendations
Keep lights off near doorways to reduce attracting prey insects. If relocation is needed, gently guide the spider into a container using a piece of paper.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found across North and South America, particularly in eastern and central regions of the United States. Prefers gardens, woodlands, shrubs, and exterior building walls.
Behavior & Temperament
Nocturnal web-weaver that often retreats to a nearby hiding spot or sits in the center of the web at night. Generally docile and non-aggressive toward humans.
Diet & Prey
Strictly carnivorous, feeding on flying insects such as moths, beetles, mosquitoes, and flies trapped in the vertical orb web.
Seasonal Activity
Most active during late summer and autumn when adults reach full size and maturity, mating before dying off with the first hard frosts.
Description
The Hentz Orb-Weaver is a quintessential garden spider known for its intricate nighttime webs and robust, hairy appearance. As a master architect of the night, it plays a vital role in natural pest control around homes and gardens.
Key Features
Hairy, spiny legs; bulbous abdomen with a distinct cross or leaf-like dorsal pattern; vertical orb web construction; nocturnal activity pattern.
Similar Species
Cross Orbweaver (Araneus diadematus), which features a clearer white cross pattern on the abdomen, and Neoscona domiciliorum (Barn Orb-Weaver).
Life Cycle
Females construct silken egg sacs in protected crevices during autumn, depositing hundreds of eggs. Spiderlings emerge in spring, dispersing via ballooning.
Ecological Importance
Serves as a crucial predator of flying pest insects, helping regulate populations of mosquitoes, moths, and agricultural pests.
Conservation Status
Secure and widespread, with stable populations across its native range and no special conservation status.
Interesting Facts
Many orb-weavers consume their entire web daily to recycle the protein-rich silk before spinning a fresh one right before dusk.
Photography Tips
Use a macro lens with a ring flash or external fill light at night to highlight the intricate texture, coloration, and dorsal patterns while keeping a safe, non-disturbing distance.
Identified: 2026-10-08T03:04:19.407521