Tropical Orb-Weaver
Eriophora ravilla
Araneidae (Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
The spider exhibits a robust, bulky body with a rounded, swollen abdomen typical of many orb-weavers. It is densely covered in bristly setae, giving it a hairy, textured appearance. Sexual dimorphism is prominent, with females being significantly larger and heavier than males.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 15 to 25 millimeters for adult females, with a leg span reaching up to 50 millimeters.
Coloration & Markings
Coloration is highly variable, ranging from reddish-brown, tan, and gray to bright green or yellow. The abdomen often features subtle spots, chevrons, or a leaf-like pattern, though solid color variations are very common.
Web Type
Builds a large, vertical orb web made of sticky silk, typically constructed in the evening across open spaces between trees, shrubs, or buildings, and often taken down at dawn.
Eye Arrangement
Typical araneid arrangement with eight eyes in two rows, featuring lateral eyes that are often paired and median eyes set on a slight raised tubercle.
Leg Characteristics
Legs are moderately long, thick, heavily spined, and feature distinct dark banding. They are usually held close to the body or spread out widely on the web plane.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic/cytotoxic venom used strictly to subdue insect prey. Potency against humans is extremely low and essentially harmless.
Medical Significance
Not medically significant. A bite may cause minor local pain, redness, or swelling similar to a mild bee sting, requiring only basic first aid.
Safety Recommendations
No special precautions needed. If found inside a house, gently relocate the spider outside using a cup and a piece of paper.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found primarily in the southeastern United States, Central America, and South America. Prefers humid woodland edges, gardens, and tropical forests.
Behavior & Temperament
Nocturnal web-weaver that spends the daytime resting at the hub of the web or hiding in nearby foliage. Docile and non-aggressive toward humans.
Diet & Prey
Feeds primarily on flying insects such as moths, beetles, mosquitoes, and flies captured in its sticky orb web.
Seasonal Activity
Most active during late summer and autumn when adults reach maximum size and are frequently encountered in gardens.
Description
The Tropical Orb-Weaver is a master architect of the night, spinning impressive wheel-shaped webs in gardens and forests. With its hairy, robust body and variable coloration, it is a fascinating and completely harmless neighbor that helps control insect populations.
Key Features
Large, bulky, hairy abdomen; variable earth-tone or reddish coloration; prominent spination on legs; vertical nocturnal orb web.
Similar Species
Neoscona crucifera (Hentz Orb-Weaver) and Araneus diadematus (European Garden Spider). Distinguished by subtle abdominal patterning and geographic range.
Life Cycle
Females produce silken egg sacs containing hundreds of eggs in protected vegetation during autumn. Spiderlings hatch in spring, disperse via ballooning, and mature through successive molts over a year.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an effective natural pest control agent by consuming large numbers of flying insect pests in gardens and natural ecosystems.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are stable and widespread throughout its native range.
Interesting Facts
Many orb-weavers consume their own webs daily to recycle proteins and rebuild a fresh, sticky trap the following evening.
Photography Tips
Use a macro lens in the evening or early morning with a diffuser for flash to highlight the intricate details of the web and the spider's textured body.
Identified: 2026-09-07T12:40:58.251096