Hentz Orb-Weaver, Spotted Orb-Weaver, Barn Spider
Neoscona crucifera
Family Araneidae (Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
The spider has a robust, rounded abdomen typical of orb-weavers, paired with a smaller cephalothorax. The body appears slightly hairy and glossy under direct light. Females are notably larger and more robust than males.
Size Estimate
Body length is approximately 10 to 18 millimeters for females, with a leg span reaching up to 30 to 40 millimeters. This specimen appears to be an adult or sub-adult female.
Coloration & Markings
Coloration ranges from yellowish-brown, reddish-brown to dark brown, often featuring a distinct leaf-like or cross-like pattern (folium) on the dorsal abdomen, accompanied by light and dark spots or bands.
Web Type
Constructs a vertical, wheel-shaped orb web made of sticky spiral silk, typically built among garden plants, fences, or structures to intercept flying insects.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two rows of four (anterior median, anterior lateral, posterior median, posterior lateral), characteristic of the Araneidae family.
Leg Characteristics
Long, moderately thick legs featuring distinct dark banding or rings, equipped with spines and specialized claws for navigating and managing silk in the web.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic venom specialized for subduing small insect prey. It has very low potency relative to humans and is not medically significant.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. A bite may cause minor, localized pain or swelling similar to a mild mosquito bite, requiring no special medical treatment.
Safety Recommendations
No specific safety precautions needed aside from watching out for webs when walking through dense garden foliage at night. Can be gently relocated using a cup and paper if found indoors.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found widely across North America, typically inhabiting gardens, woodlands, structural overhangs, and around human habitations where vegetation supports web construction.
Behavior & Temperament
Docile and non-aggressive. Often hides in a retreat or sits in the center of the web during the night, becoming active after dusk, and dropping to the ground or fleeing when disturbed.
Diet & Prey
Feeds primarily on flying insects such as mosquitoes, flies, moths, and beetles caught in its orb web.
Seasonal Activity
Most commonly seen and fully grown during late summer and autumn, when females build egg sacs before dying off with the first hard frosts.
Description
A classic nocturnal garden dweller, the Hentz Orb-Weaver constructs magnificent geometric webs among foliage. Its presence signals a healthy, pest-managed garden ecosystem, and it poses no threat to humans.
Key Features
Rounded, brownish abdomen with a subtle leaf pattern, vertical orb web, and nocturnal habits centered around gardens and fences.
Similar Species
Cross Orb-Weaver (Araneus diadematus) which features a more prominent white cross marking on the abdomen.
Life Cycle
Females produce spherical silk egg sacs in sheltered autumn locations, laying hundreds of eggs. Spiderlings hatch in spring, disperse via ballooning, and mature by late summer or autumn.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an effective natural biological control agent, keeping flying insect pest populations in check within gardens and natural habitats.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are secure, widespread, and common throughout its range.
Interesting Facts
Many orb-weavers consume and recycle their own webs nightly to recover protein before spinning a fresh one for the upcoming evening.
Photography Tips
Best photographed at night using a macro lens and a diffused flash to highlight the glossy texture and intricate abdominal patterns while the spider sits centrally in its web.
Identified: 2026-08-01T12:03:01.249043