Spotted Orb-Weaver, Hentz Orb-Weaver
Neoscona crucifera
Araneidae (Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include building vertical, wheel-like orb webs and having eight similar-sized eyes arranged in two rows.
Physical Description
Robust, hairy body with a distinctively swollen, bulbous abdomen that is broader near the front and tapers toward the rear. The cephalothorax is smaller, covered in fine setae, and the legs are strong and visibly spiny.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 9 to 19 mm for adult females, with a leg span reaching up to 30 to 40 mm. This appears to be an adult or sub-adult female.
Coloration & Markings
Variable coloration ranging from light brown, yellowish-orange, to reddish-brown or grayish. The abdomen typically features a distinct leaf-like pattern (folium) and sometimes a cross or spotting, though patterns can be muted depending on the morph.
Web Type
Vertical orb web, characteristically large and wheel-shaped, featuring a dense spiral of sticky capture threads and a non-sticky hub where the spider typically hangs head-down.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two horizontal rows on the anterior portion of the carapace, typical of the orb-weaver family, with lateral eyes often positioned on small tubercles.
Leg Characteristics
Long, robust legs featuring prominent spines and distinct dark and light banding patterns. They are held widely spread to maximize tactile sensitivity on the web.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic/cytotoxic venom used strictly to immobilize insect prey. It has very low potency relative to humans and is not medically significant.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. A bite is extremely rare and generally only occurs if the spider is directly squeezed or trapped against the skin, resulting in minor, localized pain and swelling akin to a mild bee sting.
Safety Recommendations
Leave them alone to do their pest control work. If one is inside the house, gently capture it with a cup and a piece of paper to release it outdoors.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Common throughout North America, particularly the eastern and central regions. Prefers woodland edges, gardens, shrubs, and around exterior building lights where flying insects congregate.
Behavior & Temperament
Nocturnal hunters; they often consume and rebuild their large webs nightly or retreat to a nearby leaf retreat during daylight hours. Docile and non-aggressive toward humans.
Diet & Prey
Primarily feeds on flying nocturnal insects such as moths, beetles, mosquitoes, and flies caught in its sticky orb web.
Seasonal Activity
Most active and noticeable during late summer and autumn when adults reach full size and females prepare egg sacs before winter.
Description
The Spotted Orb-Weaver is a master architect of the night, spinning large, symmetrical wheel webs across yards and gardens. With its bulbous, patterned abdomen and hairy legs, it sits patiently at the center waiting for careless prey, serving as a beneficial garden predator.
Key Features
Bulbous, hairy abdomen with variable leaf-like or cross-like markings; construction of a large vertical orb web; nocturnal habit of sitting head-down at the web center.
Similar Species
Araneus diadematus (European Garden Spider), which features distinct white cross markings, and Neoscona domiciliorum (Barn Spider), which has similar coloration but prefers wooden structures.
Life Cycle
Females construct silken egg sacs in protected crevices or foliage in autumn containing hundreds of eggs. Spiderlings emerge in spring, dispersing via ballooning before maturing by late summer.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an essential natural pest control agent by consuming large quantities of flying agricultural and household insect pests.
Conservation Status
Not threatened or endangered; populations are stable, widespread, and highly adaptable to human-altered environments.
Interesting Facts
Spotted Orb-Weavers frequently consume their entire web each morning to recycle the protein in the silk before resting for the day, only to spin a brand new one the following evening.
Photography Tips
Best photographed at night using a flash to highlight the glossy web and the spider's dorsal patterns. Maintain a safe macro distance and focus sharply on the eye region and abdomen.
User Notes
Web in my backyard
Identified: 2026-09-28T03:23:04.428774