Tropical Orb-Weaver
Eriophora ravilla
Family Araneidae (Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae. Key family characteristics include building vertical wheel-like webs, excellent vision for movement detection, and typically docile behavior.
Physical Description
Robust body with a clearly distinct rounded abdomen and a smaller cephalothorax. The surface has a slightly textured appearance. Females are significantly larger than males.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 10 to 25 millimeters with a leg span up to 50 millimeters or more for adult females. The specimen appears to be an adult or sub-adult.
Coloration & Markings
Bright golden-yellow to orange-yellow base coloration across the cephalothorax and legs, with a patterned, slightly paler or brownish-toned abdomen that helps it blend into foliage or artificial structures.
Web Type
Large, vertical orb web built at dusk or night, typically dismantled or consumed at dawn. Often constructed near lights, porches, or gardens to catch flying nocturnal insects.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two rows on the anterior portion of the cephalothorax, typical of orb-weavers, providing wide peripheral vision to detect approaching prey and predators.
Leg Characteristics
Long, robust legs featuring distinct spination and coloration matching the bright yellow-orange body. Legs are frequently held in a typical orb-weaver spread when resting on vertical surfaces.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic/cytotoxic venom used exclusively to immobilize small insect prey. It is not considered medically significant to humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. Bites are extremely rare, usually occurring only if the spider is directly squeezed or trapped against the skin. Symptoms are mild and localized, akin to a mild ant sting.
Safety Recommendations
No special safety measures required. If found near a doorway, the spider can be gently relocated using a cup and piece of paper. Leave alone to enjoy natural pest control.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found primarily in the southeastern United States, Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of South America. Prefers gardens, woodlands, and human-made structures like patios and porches.
Behavior & Temperament
Docile and non-aggressive. Nocturnal hunter that sits at the hub of its orb web at night and retreats to nearby foliage or crevices during daylight hours.
Diet & Prey
Feeds primarily on flying insects such as moths, beetles, mosquitoes, and flies caught in its sticky orb web.
Seasonal Activity
Most active and visible during late summer and autumn when adults reach maximum size and females construct egg sacs before winter.
Description
The Tropical Orb-Weaver is a striking, brightly colored spider known for its nocturnal habits and large, intricate wheel-shaped webs. With its brilliant yellow-orange hues, it makes a fascinating garden neighbor that acts as a natural pest controller.
Key Features
Bright golden-yellow coloration, large rounded abdomen, robust legs, and the construction of a large vertical orb web, often built near outdoor lighting.
Similar Species
Other orb-weavers such as Neoscona crucifera or Araneus diadematus, which generally feature different dorsal patterns and colorations (often browns, grays, or creams rather than bright yellow-orange).
Life Cycle
Females construct silken egg sacs in protected vegetation or structures in autumn, depositing hundreds of eggs. Spiderlings emerge in spring, dispersing via ballooning.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an effective natural predator of flying insect pests, helping to control populations of mosquitoes, moths, and agricultural pests while serving as food for birds and lizards.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are secure, widespread, and common throughout their native range.
Interesting Facts
Tropical Orb-Weavers are notorious for building their massive webs directly across walkways or near porch lights overnight, often startling unsuspecting homeowners in the morning.
Photography Tips
Best photographed at night with a macro lens and ring flash or off-camera lighting to highlight the vibrant yellow body and intricate web details against the dark background.
Identified: 2026-10-03T17:56:14.361670