Six-spotted Orb-weaver
Araniella displicata
Araneidae (Orb-weavers), Order Araneae. Characterized by building geometric spiral webs and typically having three tarsal claws.
Physical Description
A small orb-weaver with a distinctively globose, rounded abdomen. The cephalothorax is relatively small compared to the wide, egg-shaped abdomen. The body surface appears smooth and slightly shiny.
Size Estimate
The specimen appears to be an adult or sub-adult female. Body length is typically 4–8mm for females, with a leg span of approximately 10–15mm.
Coloration & Markings
Features a pale yellow to lime-green abdomen, often with a row of three small dark spots (apical spots) on each side of the posterior end. The cephalothorax and legs are typically pale tan, yellowish, or translucent amber.
Web Type
Small, delicate vertical orb webs approx 10–15cm in diameter. They are often built among foliage, low shrubs, or tall grasses rather than in high, open spaces.
Eye Arrangement
8 eyes arranged in two rows. The median eyes form a central trapezoid, while lateral eyes are positioned on small tubercles at the sides. This provides 360-degree detection of movement.
Leg Characteristics
Medium-length, slender legs proportional to the body. They often feature subtle dark spines (macrosetae) and can show faint reddish or amber banding near the joints.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses a mild venom used to immobilize small insects. The venom is not considered medically significant to humans or pets.
Medical Significance
Harmless. Bites are extremely rare as the spider is small and timid. Symptoms, if a bite occurred, would be localized redness or minor itching similar to a mosquito bite.
Safety Recommendations
No action is needed. These spiders are beneficial to keep in gardens. If found indoors, they can be safely moved outside using a cup and a piece of paper.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Common across North America and Eurasia (Holarctic distribution). Found in gardens, deciduous forests, and meadows, usually tucked under leaves during the day.
Behavior & Temperament
A shy, nocturnal orb-weaver. It stays hidden in a silk retreat (often a curled leaf) during the day and occupies the center of the web at night. It is non-aggressive and will drop from its web if disturbed.
Diet & Prey
Primarily flying insects such as gnats, small flies, mosquitoes, and aphids that become entangled in its silk. It wraps prey in silk before consuming.
Seasonal Activity
Most active from late spring through late summer. Mating occurs in mid-summer when females are at their largest size and most visible.
Description
The Six-spotted Orb-weaver is a colorful and helpful garden inhabitant. Its bright yellow-green hue serves as excellent camouflage against leaves. These spiders are master weavers of miniature spiral webs that catch many garden pests.
Key Features
Small size, globose yellow/green abdomen, and the diagnostic six small black dots at the rear tip of the abdomen (though dots may be faint in some individuals).
Similar Species
Araniella cucurbitina (Cucumber Green Spider) is very similar but found mostly in Europe; Araneus diadematus is much larger with a different pattern; Misumena vatia (Flower Crab Spider) has a similar color but different body shape.
Life Cycle
Females produce a small yellowish-white egg sac in late summer or autumn. Spiderlings hatch and often disperse via ballooning. Adults typically live for one season (annual life cycle).
Ecological Importance
Serves as an important natural pest control agent in gardens and agricultural settings by consuming high volumes of small winged insects.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN, but considered common and stable throughout its range with no immediate threats.
Interesting Facts
Unlike many orb-weavers that sit in the center of the web all day, Araniella species are usually found hiding on the underside of nearby leaves, connected to the web by a signal line of silk.
Photography Tips
Focus on the posterior end of the abdomen to document the six spots. Use macro mode and side-lighting to highlight the translucent quality of the legs and the geometric web.
Identified: 2026-07-21T17:21:07.463661