Hentz Orb-Weaver, Spotted Orb-Weaver, Barn Spider
Neoscona crucifera
Family Araneidae (Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include the construction of vertical wheel-shaped webs and eight similar-sized eyes arranged in two rows.
Physical Description
Robust body with a hairy texture. The cephalothorax is narrower and covered in fine setae, while the abdomen is large, oval-to-triangular, and bulbous, typical of mature female orb-weavers.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 9 to 18 millimeters for females, with a leg span of approximately 30 to 50 millimeters. This appears to be an adult specimen based on the large, swollen abdomen.
Coloration & Markings
Variable coloration ranging from light brown, yellowish-orange to dark reddish-brown. The abdomen typically features a distinct central leaf-like pattern or cross-like markings outlined in darker tones, often accompanied by lighter spots.
Web Type
Vertical orb web constructed with sticky spiral threads. Usually built at night among vegetation, gardens, or near outdoor lights to capture flying insects, and often taken down or rebuilt daily.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two horizontal rows on the anterior portion of the cephalothorax, consisting of four median eyes forming a quadrangle and two lateral pairs.
Leg Characteristics
Moderately long and strong legs with distinct dark and light banding. Spines are clearly visible along the segments. The legs are typically held outstretched when resting in the center of the web.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic/proteolytic venom tailored for immobilizing small invertebrate prey. It has very low potency relative to humans and is not medically significant.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. A bite may cause minor, temporary local pain, redness, or swelling similar to a mosquito bite. No professional medical treatment is typically required.
Safety Recommendations
No special precautions needed beyond avoiding accidental contact with webs when walking through gardens at night. If one enters the home, gently relocate it outside using a cup and a piece of paper.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found across North America, particularly in the eastern and central regions. Prefers gardens, shrubs, woodlands, and the exterior walls of buildings where night lighting attracts prey.
Behavior & Temperament
Nocturnal web-weaver. Spends daylight hours hiding in nearby foliage or a retreat, moving to the center of the web at dusk to wait for prey. Docile and non-aggressive, fleeing or dropping from the web when disturbed.
Diet & Prey
Carnivorous, feeding primarily on flying insects such as moths, beetles, flies, mosquitoes, and small wasps caught in the sticky spiral of the orb web.
Seasonal Activity
Most active and commonly seen during late summer and autumn when adults reach maximum size, mate, and lay eggs. Overwinters primarily in the egg stage.
Description
The Hentz Orb-Weaver is a familiar and beneficial garden resident, known for spinning large, intricate wheel-shaped webs suspended among plants and flowers. Active mostly at night, these spiders act as master pest controllers, quietly reducing flying insect populations around yards and porches.
Key Features
Bulbous, hairy abdomen with patterned markings, construction of a vertical wheel-shaped orb web, nocturnal habits, and distinct dark banding on the legs.
Similar Species
Cross Orb-Weaver (Araneus diadematus), which features a more prominent white cross marking on the abdomen, and other Neoscona species, distinguished by subtle epigynal or pattern variations.
Life Cycle
Females produce a silken egg sac in autumn containing hundreds of eggs, which overwinter before spiderlings hatch in spring. Undergoes multiple molts to reach maturity by late summer or autumn.
Ecological Importance
Serves a vital role in natural pest control by consuming large quantities of flying agricultural and household insect pests, while also acting as a food source for birds and small mammals.
Conservation Status
Not threatened or endangered. Common, widespread, and highly adaptable to human-altered environments.
Interesting Facts
Many orb-weavers consume their own webs daily to recycle proteins before spinning a fresh one just before dusk. They can rapidly detect vibrations in their web to pinpoint trapped prey in total darkness.
Photography Tips
Best photographed at night using a macro lens and an off-camera flash to highlight the intricate patterns on the abdomen and the texture of the web against a dark background.
User Notes
On a plant
Identified: 2026-09-30T02:03:20.667592