Silver Long-jawed Orb-weaver, Common Stretch Spider
Tetragnatha laboriosa
Tetragnathidae (Long-jawed Orb-weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
Elongated, slender body typical of the Tetragnatha genus. The abdomen is cylindrical and tapers toward the rear. It possesses exceptionally long chelicerae (jaws), though these are held tucked in the provided image. The carapace is relatively flat and oval.
Size Estimate
Body length 5-9mm; leg span 20-35mm. This appears to be an adult specimen based on the well-defined coloration and proportions.
Coloration & Markings
Distinctive silvery-metallic dorsal surface on the abdomen with faint darker foliate patterns. The cephalothorax and legs are a translucent straw-yellow or pale tan. A dark mid-ventral stripe is typically present but not visible here.
Web Type
Builds horizontal or tilted orb webs, often near water or in tall grass. The webs are characterized by an open hub (a hole in the center) and few radii.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two nearly parallel rows. The lateral eyes are widely separated from the median eyes, which is a diagnostic feature for the Tetragnathidae family.
Leg Characteristics
Very long, thin, spindly legs. They lack heavy spines but have fine hairs. In their resting 'stretch' posture, the front two pairs of legs are extended forward and the back pairs rearward, making the spider look like a stick.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Possesses a weak venom designed to immobilize small insects. It is not considered toxic to humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. Bites are extremely rare due to the spider's timid nature and weak jaws; if a bite occurred, it would result in minor localized redness similar to a mosquito bite.
Safety Recommendations
No special safety measures are required. If found indoors, they can be easily relocated outside using a cup and piece of paper. They are beneficial neighbors to have in gardens.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Widely distributed across North America. Found in Meadows, tall grasses, agricultural fields, and frequently near wetlands or man-made structures like the stucco wall in the image.
Behavior & Temperament
Passive and non-aggressive. When threatened, they typically drop from the web or flatten themselves against a twig or blade of grass to camouflage. They are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular hunters.
Diet & Prey
Feeds on small flying insects such as midges, gnats, mosquitoes, and small flies that get caught in its low-profile orb web.
Seasonal Activity
Peak activity occurs in late spring through late summer. They are most visible in the early morning when dew clings to their webs.
Description
The Silver Long-jawed Orb-weaver is a master of camouflage. With its metallic sheen and needle-like profile, it blends perfectly into dry grass. This species is often seen on the exterior of homes near lights that attract its insect prey.
Key Features
Silvery elongated abdomen, extremely long front legs, and the open-center hub of its orb web.
Similar Species
Tetragnatha elongata (larger, found closer to water) and various species of Leucauge (which have more colorful, ornate markings).
Life Cycle
Females lay egg sacs in autumn, usually attached to leaves or twigs. Spiderlings emerge in spring. They are known for 'ballooning' (dispersing via silk threads on the wind). Total lifespan is typically one year.
Ecological Importance
Significant for natural pest control, particularly in meadows and crop fields where they consume large quantities of leafhoppers and flies.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by IUCN, but considered stable and common throughout its range.
Interesting Facts
The genus name Tetragnatha comes from the Greek for 'four-jawed,' referring to their oversized chelicerae and the way they lock together during mating to prevent the female from eating the male.
Photography Tips
Photograph from the side to capture the silver abdomen profile, or use a macro lens to focus on the eye arrangement and the unique long jaws for definitive identification.
Identified: 2026-06-23T02:48:42.337887