Hentz Orb-Weaver, Spotted Orbweaver
Neoscona crucifera
Family Araneidae (Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include building vertical circular webs and lacking cribella.
Physical Description
Robust, hairy body with a distinctively swollen, bulbous abdomen and a smaller cephalothorax. Typical orb-weaver morphology optimized for holding large silk-spinning organs.
Size Estimate
Body length typically ranges from 10 to 18 millimeters for females, with a leg span up to 30 millimeters. This appears to be an adult or sub-adult specimen.
Coloration & Markings
Variable coloration ranging from yellowish-brown to reddish-brown or grayish, often featuring a distinct cross or leaf-like pattern on the dorsal abdomen with lateral bands.
Web Type
Vertical orb web constructed among vegetation, porches, or structures, featuring a sticky spiral and a non-sticky hub where the spider waits upside down.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two rows of four, with the lateral eyes often paired and the median eyes positioned on a slight ocular tubercle.
Leg Characteristics
Moderately long, robust legs covered in spines and hairs, often showing dark banding patterns. Used efficiently for navigating the web and subduing prey.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Mild neurotoxic venom used primarily to immobilize insect prey. It is not potent or dangerous to humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. Bites are extremely rare and typically result in only minor, temporary localized discomfort similar to a mild bee sting.
Safety Recommendations
Leave undisturbed when outdoors. If found indoors, gently relocate using a cup and a piece of paper to the outside garden.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Common across North America, typically found in gardens, woodlands, shrubs, and around exterior building lights where flying insects congregate.
Behavior & Temperament
Nocturnal or crepuscular web-builders that spend daylight hours hiding nearby or resting at the center of the web. Generally docile and non-aggressive.
Diet & Prey
Insects such as moths, beetles, flies, and mosquitoes caught in the sticky orb web, which are quickly wrapped in silk and envenomated.
Seasonal Activity
Most active and visible during late summer and autumn when individuals reach mature size and construct large mating webs.
Description
A quintessential nocturnal garden dweller, the Hentz Orb-Weaver constructs magnificent geometric webs to intercept flying insects. With its robust body and patterned abdomen, it is a fascinating and beneficial addition to any backyard ecosystem.
Key Features
Hairy, bulbous abdomen with a subtle cross or leaf pattern, vertical orb web construction, and nocturnal habits centered around artificial lights or garden vegetation.
Similar Species
Araneus diadematus (European Garden Spider), which features more prominent white cross markings on the abdomen.
Life Cycle
Females produce papery egg sacs in autumn containing hundreds of eggs. Spiderlings hatch in spring, often dispersing via ballooning, and mature by late summer.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an effective natural pest control agent by consuming large quantities of flying agricultural and household insect pests.
Conservation Status
Secure and widespread, with stable populations not currently facing any major conservation threats.
Interesting Facts
Many orb-weavers consume and recycle their entire web nightly to ingest proteins and moisture before building a fresh one.
Photography Tips
Use a macro lens with a flash for night photography to capture sharp details of the web and dorsal patterns while the spider rests in the center.
Identified: 2026-08-02T06:04:54.584232