Hentz Orb-Weaver, Spotted Orb-Weaver, Barn Spider
Neoscona crucifera
Family Araneidae (Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A robust, globose spider with a large, somewhat triangular or oval abdomen. The body is covered in fine, bristly hairs (setae) giving it a fuzzy appearance. The cephalothorax is smaller than the abdomen and typically slightly darker. Females are significantly larger and rounder than males.
Size Estimate
Estimated body length of 10-20mm for females, with a leg span of 30-50mm. This appears to be a mature female specimen given the heavy abdomen.
Coloration & Markings
Variable shades of reddish-brown, tan, or gray. The dorsal (top) side of the abdomen often features a faint cross-like pattern or a series of spots. The ventral (underside) typically has two white 'comma' marks or spots surrounding a dark central area.
Web Type
Large, classic vertical orb web. These spiders often build their webs at dusk and may consume them at dawn, though in protected areas like porches or sheds, the web may remain during the day.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two rows of four. The four median eyes form a central trapezoid, while the lateral eyes are positioned further back on either side, typical of the Araneidae family.
Leg Characteristics
Braced for web living, the legs are stout with conspicuous spines. They often exhibit dark banding or rings, particularly at the joints. The spider frequently rests in a 'head-down' position in the center of the web.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains mild venom used to immobilize insect prey. The venom is not considered medically significant to humans, generally causing only minor localized reactions.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. A bite is rare and typically comparable to a bee sting, resulting in mild pain, redness, and swelling that subsides quickly. No special medical treatment is usually required unless there is an allergic reaction.
Safety Recommendations
These spiders are best left alone as they provide free pest control. If relocation is necessary, use a cup and a piece of paper to gently move the spider outdoors to a bush or tree.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found throughout North America, particularly across the United States and Southern Canada. They prefer woodland edges, gardens, and man-made structures like porches, barns, and sheds.
Behavior & Temperament
Primarily nocturnal, coming out at night to sit in the center of their web. They are docil and non-aggressive, usually dropping to the ground or fleeing into a crevice if disturbed.
Diet & Prey
Generalist insectivores that catch flying insects such as moths, beetles, flies, and mosquitoes in their sticky orb webs. They wrap prey in silk before consuming it.
Seasonal Activity
Most visible in late summer and autumn (August through October) when females reach their maximum size and are actively hunting to prepare for egg-laying.
Description
The Hentz Orb-Weaver is a common late-summer sight in North American gardens. Known for their impressive engineering, these spiders create large, intricate webs to catch nocturnal insects. Their fuzzy appearance and rusty-red coloration make them easily identifiable even at a distance.
Key Features
Hairy texture, reddish-brown coloration, large orb web, and two white spots on the underside of the abdomen. The dorsal 'cross' or cruciform pattern is an indicative trait.
Similar Species
Often confused with Araneus diadematus (Cross Orbweaver), but Neoscona crucifera lacks the distinct white-spotted cross on the top of the abdomen and has different ventral markings. It is also similar to other Neoscona species like N. domiciliorum.
Life Cycle
Females lay egg sacs in the fall containing hundreds of eggs. The spiderlings hatch in spring and disperse via ballooning. The typical lifespan is about one year, ending after the first hard frost.
Ecological Importance
Highly beneficial for natural pest control. A single spider can consume dozens of mosquitoes and flies in a single night, helping to regulate insect populations around homes and gardens.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but considered common and widespread with stable populations across its range.
Interesting Facts
This species exhibits 'crepuscular' behavior, frequently rebuilding its entire web every single night to ensure the silk remains sticky enough to catch prey. They are highly sensitive to vibrations in the web.
Photography Tips
For identification, try to capture a clear shot of the top of the abdomen for the pattern, and if possible, a view of the underside to see the characteristic white comma marks. Use a flash at night to make the hairs and color pop.
Identified: 2026-07-11T02:13:43.334620