Hentz Orb-weaver, Spotted Orb-weaver, Barn Spider
Neoscona crucifera
Araneidae (Orb-weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A robust spider with a bulbous, slightly triangular abdomen. The body is covered in fine, bristly white hairs (setae), giving it a fuzzy appearance. Females are significantly larger than males, which have smaller bodies and longer legs relative to their size.
Size Estimate
Females typically range from 8.5 to 20 mm in body length; males are smaller at 5 to 10 mm. With legs extended, a large female can reach a 2-inch span.
Coloration & Markings
Coloration varies from tan to rusty orange or brown. The dorsal side of the abdomen often features a faint 'cruciform' (cross-like) pattern or a series of chevrons. The underside is typically darker with two distinct white, broken spots near the spinnerets.
Web Type
Large, vertical, circular orb web. These spiders often build their webs in the evening and may consume them at dawn, though in shaded areas or during late autumn, they may stay in the web all day.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes total, arranged in two rows. There is a cluster of four median eyes in the center forming a trapezoid, with two pairs of lateral eyes further back on the sides of the cephalothorax.
Leg Characteristics
Strong, bristly legs with dark banding or rings, especially visible on the femoral and tibial segments. They are designed for navigating silk lines with ease.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
The venom is a mild neurotoxin used to paralyze small insects. It is not considered medically significant to humans and is less potent than a common bee sting.
Medical Significance
Low danger level. Bites are rare and usually occur only if the spider is pinched against the skin. Symptoms typically include minor localized pain, redness, and slight swelling that subsides within hours.
Safety Recommendations
No action is usually needed. If the web is in an inconvenient spot (like a doorway), use a broom to gently relocate the spider to a nearby bush. Always wear gloves when reaching into dark, outdoor crevices.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Common throughout North America, specifically the eastern United States. They are frequently found in suburban backyards, gardens, woodland edges, and around man-made structures with outdoor lighting.
Behavior & Temperament
Primarily nocturnal. They are docile and non-aggressive, preferring to drop from their web or retreat to a crevice if disturbed. They often hide in nearby foliage or eaves during the daylight hours.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators of flying insects including moths, beetles, flies, and mosquitoes. They wrap prey in silk quickly before delivering a bite to immobilize them.
Seasonal Activity
Populations peak in late summer and early autumn (August through October) when they reach their full adult size and become most noticeable to homeowners.
Description
The Hentz Orb-weaver is one of the most common and beneficial garden spiders in North America. Its impressive, symmetrical webs are masterpieces of biological engineering, often stretching across porches or garden paths overnight. While their large size can be intimidating, they are harmless guardians of the garden.
Key Features
Hairy appearance, triangular abdomen, dark banding on legs, and most distinctively, two white 'comma' shaped marks on a dark background on the underside of the abdomen.
Similar Species
Araneus diadematus (Cross Orb-weaver) is similar but has distinct white dots forming a crisp cross. Neoscona domiciliorum is also similar but favors more wooded, moist habitats.
Life Cycle
Females lay one or more egg sacs containing hundreds of eggs in late summer or fall. The spiderlings hatch in spring. Adults typically live for one season, dying after the first hard frost.
Ecological Importance
Highly effective natural pest control. A single spider can consume hundreds of flying insects over its lifespan, maintaining the balance of the local insect population.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but considered common and stable throughout its range with no immediate threats.
Interesting Facts
This species exhibits 'phototaxis' indirectly; they build webs near porch lights because the light attracts their primary food source: nocturnal insects.
Photography Tips
Photograph from the side to capture the profile of the abdomen. To identify, the most helpful shot is a clear view of the underside (ventral) to see the specific marking patterns.
Identified: 2026-07-18T02:55:59.293942