Hentz Orb-weaver, Spotted Orb-weaver, Barn Spider
Neoscona crucifera
Araneidae (Orb-weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A robust spider with a large, somewhat triangular or heart-shaped abdomen. The cephalothorax is covered in fine, light-colored hairs, giving it a fuzzy appearance. Females are significantly larger and more bulbous than the slender, longer-legged males.
Size Estimate
The specimen appears to be an adult female; body length typically ranges from 10-20mm (0.4-0.8 inches) with a total leg span reaching up to 50mm (2 inches).
Coloration & Markings
Variable colors ranging from tan and rusty orange to dark brown. The dorsal side of 1the abdomen usually features a faint cruciform (cross-like) pattern of pits. The ventral side typically displays two white 'comma' marks pointing toward each other against a dark background.
Web Type
Large, classic circular orb web. These webs are often built at dusk and frequently span across porch openings, between trees, or against man-made structures. The silk is very strong and sticky.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two rows. The four median eyes form a central trapezoid (median ocular quadrangle) on a slight prominence, while the lateral eyes are positioned further back and lower.
Leg Characteristics
Strong, moderately thick legs covered in noticeable spines (macrosetae). Legs typically show dark and light banding patterns, which are visible in the provided image as reddish-brown and tan segments.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains a mild neurotoxic venom used to paralyze insect prey. The venom is not considered medically significant to humans, generally possessing lower potency than a bee sting.
Medical Significance
Harmless. Bites are rare and usually only occur if the spider is pinched or squeezed against skin. Symptoms are typically limited to mild localized pain, redness, and swelling that subsides within a few hours.
Safety Recommendations
No action is usually needed. If the web is in an inconvenient spot, the spider can be gently moved with a stick or broom. They are beneficial house guests that prefer to stay outdoors.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Common across North America, particularly in the Eastern and Central United States and parts of Mexico. They prefer edges of forests, gardens, and are very frequently found around human habitations like barns, porches, and fences.
Behavior & Temperament
A nocturnal orb-weaver that often hides in a retreat (like a curled leaf or crevice) during the day and sits in the center of the web at night. They are non-aggressive and will typically flee or drop to the ground if disturbed.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predators of flying insects including moths, flies, beetles, and wasps. They utilize their sticky webs to entangle prey, then quickly wrap it in silk before delivering a subduing bite.
Seasonal Activity
Populations peak in late summer and early autumn (August through October), which is when females reach their largest size and become most visible to homeowners.
Description
The Hentz Orb-weaver is a quintessential 'Barn Spider' often immortalized in folklore. Recognizable by its hairy appearance and impressive nocturnal webs, it is a master architect of the garden that works primarily under the cover of darkness to catch flying pests.
Key Features
Hairy cephalothorax, dark/light banded legs, two white spots on the underside of the abdomen, and a nocturnal 'sit-and-wait' web behavior.
Similar Species
Often confused with Araneus diadematus (Cross Orb-weaver), which has a more distinct white cross on its back, or Neoscona domiciliorum, which has brighter, more contrasting markings.
Life Cycle
Females lay several hundred eggs in a yellowish, fluffy silken sac near their retreat in autumn. The spiderlings overwinter inside the sac and emerge in spring. Adults typically live for one season, dying after the first hard frost.
Ecological Importance
Highly beneficial as a natural pest control agent, consuming large quantities of mosquitoes, flies, and agricultural pests near homes and gardens.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but considered common and secure throughout its range; no significant threats reported.
Interesting Facts
Many individuals eat their own web at dawn to recycle the proteins, then rebuild the entire structure from scratch at dusk to ensure maximum stickiness for the night's hunt.
Photography Tips
For identification, try to photograph the underside (ventral) to see the white spots, or use a flash at night to highlight the leg banding and hairs against the dark background.
Identified: 2026-07-10T22:31:39.762911