Hentz Orbweaver, Spotted Orbweaver, Barn Spider
Neoscona crucifera
Family Araneidae (Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A classic orb-weaver with a bulbous, oval-to-globose abdomen and a smaller, slightly flattened cephalothorax covered in fine, hair-like setae. Females are significantly larger and rounder than males.
Size Estimate
Body length is approximately 6 to 10 mm (small-to-medium female or subadult based on comparison with nearby wooden skewers), with a total leg span around 20 to 30 mm.
Coloration & Markings
Tones range from tan and reddish-brown to greyish-brown. The abdomen exhibits a faint lighter central stripe or subtle cruciform/foliate pattern bordered by wavy dark lines, while the underside typically features two prominent white or yellowish spot markings.
Web Type
Large, vertical, sticky spiral orb web constructed outdoors between shrubs, tree branches, or around porch lights and building eaves. Web is often rebuilt daily, usually at dusk.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two distinct transverse rows on the front of the cephalothorax, typical of the family Araneidae.
Leg Characteristics
Moderately long, robust legs covered in macrosetae (spines), featuring dark reddish-brown banding patterns at the joints.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains mild, localized neurotoxic/enzymatic venom designed to immobilize small insects. Harmless and medically insignificant to humans and pets.
Medical Significance
Extremely low medical concern. Bites are exceedingly rare and typically occur only if squeezed against skin. Symptoms are minor, akin to a mild bee sting or ant bite.
Safety Recommendations
No control measures needed. If found indoors, safely capture using the cup-and-paper technique and relocate outdoors near garden foliage or outdoor light fixtures.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Widespread across North America, especially common in eastern and central regions. Found in forests, gardens, suburban yards, and on outer walls of homes.
Behavior & Temperament
Strictly nocturnal or crepuscular, sitting at the hub of its web at night to capture prey and hiding in a curled leaf or crevice during the daytime. Non-aggressive and docile toward humans.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predator feeding on flying nocturnal insects such as moths, beetles, flies, mosquitoes, and stink bugs.
Seasonal Activity
Peak activity occurs in late summer through autumn (August to November), when fully mature adults build prominent webs before overwintering as egg sacs.
Description
The Hentz Orbweaver (Neoscona crucifera) is one of the most common and beneficial garden spiders across North America. Often noticed on late summer and autumn evenings building large, intricate circular webs near outdoor lights, this docile species plays a crucial role in controlling nocturnal insect populations.
Key Features
Rounded tan/brown abdomen with subtle cruciform/foliate patterning, dark banded legs, robust spiny legs, two pale spots on the ventral abdomen, and nocturnal orb-weaving habits.
Similar Species
Araneus diadematus (Cross Orbweaver, which features distinct bright white crossed spots on the dorsal abdomen) and Neoscona domiciliorum (Redfemur Orbweaver, which has brighter red or orange femora).
Life Cycle
Matures in late summer and autumn. Females lay eggs inside a fluffy yellowish silk egg sac in sheltered foliage. Spiderlings emerge in spring, disperse via ballooning, and mature over the summer.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an essential natural pest control agent in terrestrial ecosystems, consuming large volumes of moths, mosquitoes, and agricultural pests while serving as food for birds and mud dauber wasps.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN; abundant and secure throughout its native range.
Interesting Facts
Neoscona crucifera often ingests its own web silken threads before dawn to recycle protein, constructing a brand-new orb web each evening at dusk.
Photography Tips
Photograph at night with an external flash or torchlight focused on the abdomen and legs to highlight the detailed pattern, banding, and hair density.
Identified: 2026-07-25T15:59:11.695831