Hentz Orbweaver, Barn Spider, Spotted Orbweaver
Neoscona crucifera
Family Araneidae (Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
Robust, hairy body with a distinctively large, oval-to-triangular abdomen that often features subtle humps or bumps near the front. The cephalothorax is smaller, covered in fine setae, and typically brownish or grayish.
Size Estimate
Females generally range from 10 to 18 mm in body length, while males are smaller at around 8 to 13 mm. Leg span can reach up to 3 to 4 cm. This specimen appears to be a mature or near-adult female.
Coloration & Markings
Variable coloration ranging from yellowish-brown, orange-brown, to dark reddish-brown or grey. The dorsal abdomen often displays a distinct leaf-like pattern, folium, or lighter cross markings, flanked by darker margins.
Web Type
Vertical orb web constructed with sticky spiral threads, typically ranging from 1 to 2 feet in diameter. Often built across structural gaps, porches, or between wooden railings and vegetation.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two rows of four. The lateral eyes are typically close together and separated from the median eyes, which is standard for orb-weavers.
Leg Characteristics
Long, strong legs featuring distinct dark and light brown or reddish banding and numerous spines. Legs are typically held out widely when resting in the web center.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains mild neurotoxic venom used primarily to subdue insect prey. It is not potent enough to cause serious harm to humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. A bite may cause minor, localized pain, redness, or swelling similar to a mosquito sting, but it holds no medical significance.
Safety Recommendations
No special safety measures are required as they are non-venomous to humans. If found in an unwanted indoor or high-traffic location, simply coax the spider into a container and release it outdoors.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found throughout North America, particularly east of the Rocky Mountains. Prefers wooded areas, gardens, and human-made structures such as porches, barns, and decks where outdoor lighting attracts prey.
Behavior & Temperament
Nocturnal hunters that often sit head-down in the center of their web at night, retreating to a nearby crevice or leaf shelter during daylight hours. Generally docile and reluctant to bite.
Diet & Prey
Primarily feeds on flying insects such as moths, beetles, mosquitoes, and flies intercepted by the vertical orb web.
Seasonal Activity
Most commonly seen and fully grown during late summer and autumn, which is their peak breeding season. They overwinter as eggs in protected sacs.
Description
The Hentz Orbweaver is one of the most common and conspicuous nocturnal web-builders found around human habitations in North America. With its chunky, patterned abdomen and neatly spun wheel-like web, it serves as a wonderful garden neighbor that actively helps control flying pest populations.
Key Features
Hairy, robust reddish-brown or yellowish body, distinctive folium or cross pattern on a large abdomen, and placement in a classic vertical orb web constructed near lights at night.
Similar Species
Neoscona arabesca (Arabesque Orbweaver), which is generally smaller and has a brighter, more distinct patterned marking on the dorsal abdomen.
Life Cycle
Mates in late summer and autumn. Females lay eggs in a silken sac attached to protected surfaces or bark. Spiderlings hatch in spring, growing through multiple molts over the summer.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an effective natural pest control agent by consuming large numbers of flying insects, and serves as a vital food source for birds and small mammals.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are widespread, stable, and highly abundant.
Interesting Facts
Many orb-weavers consume and recycle their own webs nightly to recover proteins before spinning a fresh one for the upcoming evening.
Photography Tips
Best photographed at night using a flash to highlight the glossy texture and intricate pattern of the abdomen while the spider sits in its web. Maintain a safe macro distance without jarring the web.
Identified: 2026-08-31T09:05:43.113465