Hentz Orb-Weaver, Spotted Orbweaver
Neoscona crucifera
Family Araneidae (Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
Robust, hairy body with a distinctively swollen, bulbous abdomen typical of orb-weavers and a smaller, rounded cephalothorax covered in fine setae.
Size Estimate
Body length typically ranges from 10 to 18 mm for adult females, with a leg span reaching up to 30 to 40 mm.
Coloration & Markings
Warm shades of orange, reddish-brown, and tan. The dorsal abdomen features a mottled pattern often with a central cross or leaf-like marking flanked by lighter spots.
Web Type
Vertical orb web featuring sticky spiral threads and a non-sticky hub where the spider typically waits head-down.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two distinct rows, typical of the orb-weaver family, with lateral eyes often grouped in pairs.
Leg Characteristics
Medium to long legs featuring prominent spines and distinct dark and light banding patterns, held in a sprawling posture on the web.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic venom tailored for immobilizing small invertebrate prey; it poses no chemical threat to humans.
Medical Significance
Not medically significant. A bite may cause mild, localized pain or swelling comparable to a mosquito bite, but they are extremely reluctant to bite.
Safety Recommendations
No special precautions needed beyond avoiding accidental contact with webs. Can be gently relocated using a cup and piece of paper.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found throughout North America, commonly inhabiting gardens, woodland edges, porches, and exterior walls of buildings.
Behavior & Temperament
Nocturnal web-builders that retreat to nearby hiding spots or remain motionless on the hub during the day. Very docile and rarely bite.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predator feeding on flying insects including moths, beetles, flies, and mosquitoes captured in its orb web.
Seasonal Activity
Most active and noticeable during late summer and autumn when adults reach full size and construct larger webs.
Description
The Hentz Orb-Weaver is a master architect of the night, spinning large, intricate geometric webs to catch flying pests. With its warm reddish-brown hues and rounded abdomen, it is a striking and beneficial garden resident.
Key Features
Bulbous, hairy, reddish-orange abdomen with subtle patterning, prominent leg spination, and construction of large vertical orb webs.
Similar Species
Neoscona domiciliorum (Red-legged Orb-Weaver), distinguished by brighter reddish coloration and more distinct leg banding.
Life Cycle
Females construct silk egg sacs in protected crevices during autumn, containing hundreds of eggs that overwinter and hatch into spiderlings in spring.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an important natural pest control agent by consuming large quantities of flying agricultural and household insect pests.
Conservation Status
Secure and widespread throughout its native geographic range with stable populations.
Interesting Facts
Many orb-weavers consume their entire web each night to recycle the proteins before spinning a brand new one before dawn.
Photography Tips
Best photographed at night using a flash to highlight the web details and the vibrant colors of the spider waiting at the hub.
Identified: 2026-10-01T16:10:09.417466