Hentz Orb-Weaver, Spotted Orbweaver, Barn Spider
Neoscona crucifera
Family Araneidae (Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include building vertical wheel-shaped webs and having eight similar-sized eyes arranged in two rows.
Physical Description
The spider exhibits a robust, bulky oval-shaped abdomen that is slightly wider at the front and tapers toward the rear, characteristic of female orb-weavers. The cephalothorax is smaller, hairy, and rounded. The texture is densely covered in fine setae.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 9 to 18 millimeters for adult females, with a leg span of roughly 25 to 40 millimeters. This specimen appears to be a mature or near-mature female.
Coloration & Markings
Base coloration ranges from light brown, reddish-brown, to grayish-yellow. The abdomen typically features a distinct patterned dorsal folium, sometimes resembling a cross or a series of scalloped markings bordered in darker brown, with light spots.
Web Type
Builds a classic vertical orb web, a large, wheel-shaped structure made of sticky spiral threads designed to intercept flying insect prey, usually constructed at night.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two distinct rows on the anterior portion of the cephalothorax, consisting of four median eyes forming a square and two lateral pairs.
Leg Characteristics
Long, strong legs featuring distinct dark banding or rings, covered in numerous spines and hairs used for sensing vibrations in the web and manipulating prey.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic/cytotoxic venom optimized for immobilizing invertebrate prey. It is mild and generally ineffective against human physiology.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. A bite may cause minor, temporary local pain, redness, or swelling similar to a mild bee sting, requiring no medical intervention.
Safety Recommendations
Leave undisturbed in its web. If found indoors, gently relocate it outside using a cup and a piece of paper.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found across North America, particularly in the eastern and central regions. Prefers gardens, woodland edges, bushes, and structural corners around houses and barns where it can anchor large webs.
Behavior & Temperament
Nocturnal web builder that often retreats to a nearby hiding spot or sits in the center of the web at night. Docile and non-aggressive towards humans, only biting if trapped against skin.
Diet & Prey
Primarily feeds on flying insects such as moths, beetles, mosquitoes, flies, and occasional grasshoppers caught in its orb web.
Seasonal Activity
Most active and commonly seen during late summer and autumn when adults reach full size and females prepare egg sacs.
Description
The Hentz Orb-Weaver is a quintessential garden companion, known for constructing elaborate, wheel-like webs overnight to capture flying insects. With its warm brown tones and patterned abdomen, it serves as an effective natural pest controller around homes and gardens, posing no threat to humans.
Key Features
Hairy, bulky abdomen with a dorsal pattern, vertical orb-web construction, and nocturnal habits.
Similar Species
Araneus cavaticus (Barn Spider) and Neoscona domiciliorum (Red Orb-Weaver). Distinguished by subtle variations in the dorsal abdominal pattern and geographic distribution.
Life Cycle
Females construct tough, silken egg sacs in sheltered spots during autumn containing hundreds of eggs. Spiderlings hatch in spring, often dispersing via ballooning.
Ecological Importance
Acts as a major biological control agent for flying insect populations, helping regulate pest numbers in gardens and agricultural settings.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are widespread, stable, and generally abundant.
Interesting Facts
Many orb-weavers consume and recycle their entire web each morning to recover proteins before building a fresh one the next evening.
Photography Tips
Photograph at night using a macro lens and a diffused flash to highlight the intricate details of the web and the dorsal abdominal markings.
Identified: 2026-09-10T01:49:43.125805