Orchard Spider, Orchard Orb-weaver
Leucauge venusta
Tetragnathidae (Long-jawed Orb-weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
Elongated, pear-shaped abdomen that is slightly wider at the front. The cephalothorax is small compared to the abdomen. It has a smooth, shiny texture and is known for its horizontal web-hanging posture.
Size Estimate
Females range from 5mm to 8mm in body length; males are smaller at 3mm to 4mm. Leg span typically covers 1 to 2 inches.
Coloration & Markings
Bright metallic silver-white base on the abdomen with neon green, yellow, and black streaks. Distinctive orange or yellow spots are often visible on the underside (ventral) of the abdomen near the rear.
Web Type
Horizontal or slightly slanted orb web, often built among low-lying foliage. The spider typically hangs upside down in the center of the web.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes in two rows; the lateral eyes are widely separated from the median eyes, a characteristic of the Tetragnathidae family.
Leg Characteristics
Long, slender legs that are pale green or yellowish with dark banding at the joints. The first and second pairs of legs are significantly longer than the others.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic venom specialized for paralyzing insects. It is very weak and not considered potent or harmful to humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless and not medically significant. A bite might cause minor localized redness or itching similar to a mosquito bite, but encounters are rare as the spider avoids contact.
Safety Recommendations
No special safety measures needed. If found in a walkway, they can be gently relocated to a nearby bush using a stick.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Common across North and Central America. Found in orchards, woodlands, gardens, and shrubbery, typically in shaded or humid environments.
Behavior & Temperament
Diurnal hunter that stays in its web. It is extremely timid and will drop from its web or hide in nearby foliage if disturbed. It is not aggressive toward humans.
Diet & Prey
Small flying insects such as gnats, flies, mosquitoes, and small moths captured in its horizontal orb web.
Seasonal Activity
Peak activity occurs in late spring through mid-autumn. They typically overwinter as spiderlings or eggs.
Description
The Orchard Spider is one of the most beautiful and colorful spiders in North America. Often mistaken for a jewel due to its metallic silver and neon green markings, it is a master architect of horizontal webs found in garden bushes.
Key Features
Metallic silver abdomen, neon green streaks, horizontal web orientation, and reddish-orange spots on the rear ventral side.
Similar Species
Leucauge argyrobapta (Florida Orchard Spider) and various species of Mangora, though Leucauge is distinguished by its specific metallic luster and elongated abdomen.
Life Cycle
Females lay egg sacs in nearby leaves. Spiderlings emerge and may disperse via ballooning. Adults are usually most visible in late spring and summer.
Ecological Importance
Excellent natural pest control in gardens and orchards, significantly reducing populations of flies and mosquitoes.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN, but considered stable and very common throughout its range.
Interesting Facts
Despite being an orb-weaver, it belongs to the 'long-jawed' spider family, though its jaws are less prominent than its cousins. They are one of the few spiders whose webs are almost always horizontal.
Photography Tips
Focus on the abdomen to capture the metallic colors. Use side angles or look from beneath the web to see the colorful ventral spots. Soft, morning light highlights the iridescence best.
User Notes
In my bush
Identified: 2026-06-08T20:12:22.338778