Tropical Orb-Weaver
Eriophora ravilla
Araneidae (Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include building vertical, wheel-like orb webs and having eight similar-sized eyes arranged in two rows.
Physical Description
The spider exhibits a robust body with a bulbous, rounded abdomen that may feature slight humeral tubercles or bumps near the front. The cephalothorax is smaller and covered with fine hairs, and sexual dimorphism is pronounced, with females being significantly larger and more rotund than males.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 10 to 25 millimeters for adult females, with a leg span reaching up to 50 to 60 millimeters. This specimen appears to be an adult female.
Coloration & Markings
Extremely variable in color, ranging from pale cream, yellow, and orange to reddish-brown, green, or even dark grey. The abdomen often features subtle spotting, a central leaf-like folium pattern, or paired dark spots, though some individuals can be nearly uniform in color.
Web Type
Builds a large, vertical orb web characterized by sticky spiral threads and a strong structural framework. The web is typically constructed at night among garden foliage, shrubs, or between structures, and is often taken down at dawn.
Eye Arrangement
Consists of eight small eyes arranged in two distinct rows on the anterior portion of the cephalothorax, typical of orb-weavers, with lateral eyes often grouped in pairs.
Leg Characteristics
Long, strong legs equipped with prominent spines and distinct dark banding. The legs are typically held outstretched when waiting in the web or pulled tightly against the body when disturbed.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains mild neurotoxic venom used primarily to immobilize insect prey. It is not considered dangerous or potent to humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. A bite may cause minor, localized pain, redness, or swelling similar to a mosquito bite, but medical significance is negligible.
Safety Recommendations
No special precautions needed beyond avoiding accidental contact with webs when walking through dense brush at night. Can be gently relocated using a cup and piece of card if found indoors.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including the southeastern United States, Central America, and South America. Prefers gardens, woodland edges, and areas with dense vegetation.
Behavior & Temperament
Docile and non-aggressive. It spends daylight hours resting off to the side of the web, under a leaf shelter, or hanging passively in the center, and becomes active at dusk to construct or repair its web.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predator feeding primarily on flying insects such as mosquitoes, moths, flies, and beetles caught in its orb web.
Seasonal Activity
Most active and noticeable during late summer and autumn when females reach maximum adult size and construct egg sacs before cooler weather sets in.
Description
The Tropical Orb-Weaver is a master architect of the garden, spinning magnificent geometric webs that catch the evening light. With its variable, often warm coloration and stout abdomen, it is a fascinating and beneficial resident of tropical and subtropical landscapes, playing a vital role in keeping flying insect populations in check.
Key Features
Large, bulbous abdomen with optional slight shoulder bumps, highly variable warm or neutral coloration, vertical orb web construction, and nocturnal web-building habits.
Similar Species
Other orb-weavers such as Neoscona species (Spotted Orb-Weavers) and Araneus species. Distinguished by specific ventral markings, exact shoulder tubercle shapes, and geographic range.
Life Cycle
Females construct silken egg sacs hidden in protected foliage during autumn, containing hundreds of eggs. Spiderlings hatch in spring, disperse via ballooning, and mature through multiple molts over a single year.
Ecological Importance
Acts as a natural pest control agent by consuming large numbers of agricultural and household flying insect pests, serving as an important link in the local food web.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are generally stable, widespread, and abundant throughout their natural range.
Interesting Facts
These spiders are famous for consuming and recycling their entire orb web each morning to recover proteins and amino acids before building a fresh one the following evening.
Photography Tips
Best photographed in the evening or at night when active on the web. Use a macro lens with a diffuser or ring flash to highlight the intricate patterns on the abdomen without disturbing the spider.
Identified: 2026-10-07T21:55:47.166768