Hentz Orb-Weaver, Spotted Orb-Weaver
Neoscona crucifera
Araneidae (Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include building vertical, wheel-like orb webs and possessing eight similar-sized eyes arranged in two rows.
Physical Description
Robust body with a clearly distinct, rounded abdomen and a hairy cephalothorax. Females are significantly larger and more bulbous than males, showing typical orb-weaver sexual dimorphism.
Size Estimate
Body length typically ranges from 9 to 18 mm for females, with a leg span of around 25 to 40 mm. This specimen appears to be an adult or sub-adult.
Coloration & Markings
Variable coloration ranging from yellowish-brown to reddish-brown or gray. The abdomen often features a distinctive leaf-like or cross-like pattern, flanked by dark spots, and the legs are noticeably banded.
Web Type
Vertical orb web constructed during the evening or night, typically placed in gardens, on structures, or between shrubs and trees to catch flying insects.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two distinct rows on the anterior portion of the cephalothorax, typical of the Araneidae family.
Leg Characteristics
Moderately long, thick legs featuring prominent spines and distinct dark and light banding patterns. Used effectively for navigating the web and subduing prey.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains mild venom used to subdue insect prey. It is not considered toxic or dangerous to humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. A bite is extremely rare, usually only occurring if the spider is squeezed or trapped against the skin, and typically results in only minor, temporary local pain or swelling.
Safety Recommendations
Leave undisturbed if found outdoors. If found inside, gently capture under a container and release outdoors. No special medical treatment or pest control is necessary.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found commonly across North America, particularly in the eastern and central regions. Prefers gardens, woodlands, forests, and around human structures such as porches and exterior walls.
Behavior & Temperament
Docile and non-aggressive. Often hides in a retreat near the web during the day and sits at the center of the orb web at night, waiting for prey.
Diet & Prey
Feeds primarily on flying insects such as flies, moths, mosquitoes, and beetles captured in its orb web.
Seasonal Activity
Most active during late summer and autumn when adults reach full size and females construct egg sacs before winter.
Description
The Hentz Orb-Weaver is a familiar and beneficial nocturnal architect, spinning magnificent wheel-shaped webs to catch flying pests. With its robust, patterned abdomen and hairy legs, it is a quintessential garden spider that poses no threat to humans.
Key Features
Rounded, patterned abdomen with leaf-like markings, banded legs, hairy cephalothorax, and the construction of a vertical orb web.
Similar Species
Other orb-weavers such as Neoscona domiciliorum (Redlegged Orb-Weaver) and Araneus diadematus (Cross Orb-Weaver). Distinguished primarily by subtle variations in abdominal patterns and leg coloration.
Life Cycle
Females produce silken egg sacs in the fall containing hundreds of eggs. Spiderlings emerge in spring, disperse via ballooning, and mature by late summer or autumn.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an important natural predator of flying insect populations, helping to control garden pests and acting as a food source for birds and small mammals.
Conservation Status
Not threatened or endangered; highly adaptable and common throughout its native range.
Interesting Facts
Many orb-weavers consume and rebuild their entire web every single day to recycle silk proteins and clean the web of debris.
Photography Tips
Use macro lenses with good lighting. Nighttime photography often yields the best results when the spider is active in the center of its web.
Identified: 2026-09-04T18:45:44.048607