Spotted Orb-Weaver, Hentz Orb-Weaver
Neoscona crucifera
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
Robust, hairy body with a distinctively large, bulbous abdomen that is slightly oval or rounded, coupled with a smaller, hairy cephalothorax typical of orb-weavers.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 10 to 18 millimeters for females, with a leg span of roughly 30 to 40 millimeters. This appears to be an adult female specimen.
Coloration & Markings
Warm reddish-brown to orange-brown base coloration, featuring mottled patterns on the dorsal side of the abdomen, sometimes showing a faint cross or leaf-like pattern.
Web Type
Vertical orb web constructed with sticky spiral threads, typically built near lights or structures to catch flying nocturnal insects.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two slightly curved rows, with lateral eyes often grouped together on small tubercles, typical of the Araneidae family.
Leg Characteristics
Long, strong legs featuring distinct dark and light banding, covered in fine hairs and spines to assist in web construction and prey capture.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic venom tailored for immobilizing small invertebrate prey. It is low in potency and not harmful to humans.
Medical Significance
Not medically significant. A bite may cause minor, localized pain and slight swelling similar to a mosquito bite, fading quickly without medical intervention.
Safety Recommendations
No special precautions needed. If relocation is desired, gently guide the spider into a container using a piece of card and release it outdoors.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found across North America, commonly inhabiting gardens, woodland edges, and the exterior walls of houses near outdoor lighting.
Behavior & Temperament
Nocturnal web-builder that usually hides in a retreat or sits at the center of the web at night. Generally docile and reluctant to bite.
Diet & Prey
Primarily feeds on flying insects such as moths, beetles, mosquitoes, and flies captured in its vertical orb web.
Seasonal Activity
Most active and commonly seen in late summer and autumn when adults reach their maximum size and seek out mates.
Description
The Spotted Orb-Weaver is a frequent nocturnal visitor to human dwellings, often setting up its intricate wheel-shaped web right outside windows to catch insects drawn to indoor lights. With its robust body and warm brownish tones, it is a fascinating and entirely harmless neighbor that contributes greatly to natural pest control.
Key Features
Large bulbous abdomen, reddish-brown coloration with mottled patterns, hairy legs with subtle banding, and construction of large vertical orb webs.
Similar Species
Neoscona domiciliorum (Red House Spider) and various Araneus species. Distinguished primarily by subtle abdominal markings and genital plate structures.
Life Cycle
Females lay eggs in a silk cocoon attached to bark or structures in autumn. Spiderlings hatch in spring, molt several times, and reach maturity by late summer.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an effective natural pest control agent by consuming large quantities of flying agricultural and household insect pests.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are secure, widespread, and common throughout their native range.
Interesting Facts
Many orb-weavers consume their old webs daily to recycle the proteins used to create the silk threads before spinning a fresh one.
Photography Tips
Photograph at night using a flash to highlight the web and the dorsal markings clearly, maintaining a safe distance to avoid disturbing the spider.
Identified: 2026-09-19T20:28:46.213944