Cave Orb-weaver, Cave Orbweaver
Meta ovalis
Tetragnathidae (Long-jawed Orb-weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
A medium-sized spider with a glossy, somewhat translucent cephalothorax and a bulbous, oval-shaped abdomen. The cephalothorax is reddish-brown to amber with a darker median stripe. The abdomen is high and rounded, tapering slightly toward the rear. As seen in the image, the specimen has a smooth, shiny texture reflecting light on its dorsal surface.
Size Estimate
Body length is typically 8-12 mm for females; leg span can reach 30-40 mm. This appears to be an adult female.
Coloration & Markings
The abdomen features a striking contrast of yellowish-gold markings against a dark brown or black background. A distinctive 'mask-like' or 'skull-like' pattern is often visible on the anterior dorsal surface. The legs are prominently banded with alternating dark and light reddish-brown rings.
Web Type
Large, open-centered orb webs. These are often horizontal or tilted at an angle, built in dark, damp locations such as cave entrances, cellars, or under wooden structures.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two rows. The lateral eyes are typically touching or very close together, which is a characteristic of the Tetragnathidae family.
Leg Characteristics
Long, slender legs with distinct dark banding. The legs are sparsely covered in fine hairs and occasional small spines. Bracing posture is common when resting on flat surfaces.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses a mild neurotoxic venom used to paralyze insect prey. It is not considered toxic or dangerous to humans.
Medical Significance
Low medical significance. Bites are extremely rare and usually result in only minor localized redness, swelling, or itching similar to a bee sting. No special medical treatment is typically required.
Safety Recommendations
No reason to remove them unless the web is in a high-traffic area. They can be safely relocated using a cup and a piece of paper. Wear gloves if reaching into dark corners of cellars to avoid accidental pinches.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Common across North America (East Coast to the Midwest) and parts of Europe. They prefer high-humidity, low-light environments like caves, mine shafts, culverts, basements, and the undersides of decks or bridges.
Behavior & Temperament
A shy, nocturnal hunter that remains in its web or nearby retreat during the day. They have a docile temperament and will typically drop from their web or flee if disturbed rather than biting.
Diet & Prey
Feeds on a variety of flying and crawling insects that inhabit damp areas, such as gnats, mosquitoes, crane flies, and small moths.
Seasonal Activity
Most visible in late summer and autumn when females reach full size. They can be active year-round in temperature-controlled environments like basements or deep caves.
Description
The Cave Orb-weaver is a master of the shadows, often mistaken for more dangerous species due to its bold markings. In the photo, the glossy finish of its legs and the intricate 'gold-leaf' pattern on its abdomen are beautifully showcased against the rustic wood. They are beneficial neighbors that keep insect populations in check without the messy webs of other house spiders.
Key Features
Glossy reddish-brown cephalothorax, bold black and gold/yellow abdominal patterns, and heavily banded long legs.
Similar Species
Meta menardi (European Cave Spider), which is nearly identical but more common in Europe. It can also be confused with Steatoda (False Widows) due to the shiny abdomen, though the leg length and banding of the Cave Orb-weaver are distinct.
Life Cycle
Females produce distinctive teardrop-shaped egg sacs, often white or yellowish, suspended by a silk stalk. These are usually laid in late summer or autumn. Spiderlings emerge in spring. Lifespan is approximately one year.
Ecological Importance
Acts as a primary controller of cave-dwelling and basement-dwelling insects. They are a vital food source for bats and larger amphibians in cave ecosystems.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but generally considered common and stable within its preferred microhabitats.
Interesting Facts
The genus name 'Meta' refers to the unique placement of their webs. They are one of the few orb-weavers that thrive in near-total darkness, relying on vibrations rather than sight to catch prey.
Photography Tips
Focus on the dorsal abdominal pattern for identification. Since they live in dark areas, use a diffused flash to highlight the glossy texture and banding without creating harsh glare.
Identified: 2026-07-10T22:27:52.798405