Hentz Orb-Weaver, Spotted Orbweaver
Neoscona crucifera
Araneidae (Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
Robust, hairy body with a large, bulbous, oval-to-triangular abdomen that often features a slight hump near the front. The cephalothorax is smaller and covered in fine, dense setae. Females are significantly larger than males, displaying classic sexual dimorphism typical of orb-weavers.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 9 to 19 mm for females and 7 to 13 mm for males, with a total leg span reaching up to 40 mm.
Coloration & Markings
Variable coloration ranging from light brown, reddish-brown, to dark orange or grayish. The abdomen typically displays a central leafy or scalloped pattern (folium) outlined in dark brown or black, sometimes accompanied by faint white spots.
Web Type
Constructs a large, vertical, temporary orb web with sticky spiral threads, typically built at night and often taken down or rebuilt daily. Usually placed near outdoor lights, porches, or gardens.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two distinct rows: four smaller central eyes (anterior medians and posterior medians) forming a central quadrangle, flanked by pairs of lateral eyes.
Leg Characteristics
Strong legs of moderate length, covered in distinct dark and light banding, equipped with numerous spines and specialized claws for navigating the sticky orb web.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Neurotoxic/cytotoxic venom used strictly to immobilize insect prey. Not potent or dangerous to humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. A bite may cause minor, localized pain, redness, or swelling similar to a mosquito bite, but they are not medically significant.
Safety Recommendations
No special precautions needed. If relocation is desired, gently guide the spider into a container using a piece of card and release it into nearby foliage.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found throughout North America, particularly east of the Rocky Mountains. Prefers wooded edges, gardens, and human structures such as porches, eaves, and outdoor walls where nighttime lighting attracts prey.
Behavior & Temperament
Nocturnal web-builders that typically hide in a retreat or hang out near the center of the web during the night, retreating to a dark crevice or leaf shelter during the day. Generally docile and reluctant to bite.
Diet & Prey
Feeds primarily on flying insects such as moths, beetles, mosquitoes, and flies attracted to outdoor lights, wrapping captured prey rapidly in silk.
Seasonal Activity
Most active and noticeable during late summer and autumn when females reach maximum size and maturity.
Description
The Hentz Orb-Weaver is a familiar and beneficial nocturnal neighbor, often setting up its intricate wheel-shaped web near porch lights to catch flying insects. With its warm reddish-brown tones and distinctive patterned abdomen, it is a quintessential garden spider that poses zero threat to humans.
Key Features
Large bulbous abdomen with a distinct scalloped or leaf-like pattern, hairy appearance, banded legs, and the construction of a vertical orb web.
Similar Species
Neoscona domiciliorum (Red House Spider) which has brighter red tones, and other Neoscona or Araneus species, distinguished reliably by epigyne or male palp examination.
Life Cycle
Mates in late summer and autumn. Females produce tough, silken egg sacs attached to bark or structures, containing hundreds of eggs. Spiderlings emerge in spring after overwintering as eggs or immatures.
Ecological Importance
Acts as an effective natural pest control agent by consuming large quantities of flying agricultural and household insect pests.
Conservation Status
Secure and widespread, with stable populations throughout its natural range.
Interesting Facts
These spiders frequently consume and rebuild their entire orb webs every single night to maintain the stickiness and integrity of the silk.
Photography Tips
Best photographed at night with a macro lens and flash to capture the details of the dorsal markings and the structure of the orb web.
User Notes
Found on front porch
Identified: 2026-09-17T22:36:20.879559