Barn Spider, Hentz Orb-Weaver
Neoscona crucifera
Araneidae (Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
Robust, hairy body with a distinctively swollen, bulbous oval-shaped abdomen that overhangs the cephalothorax. The carapace is typically covered in fine, dense setae giving it a velvety appearance.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 9 to 19 mm for females and 8 to 13 mm for males, with a leg span up to 40 mm. This appears to be a mature or near-mature female specimen.
Coloration & Markings
Variable coloration ranging from light tan, orange-brown, to dark reddish-brown. The abdomen often features a leaf-like folium pattern, distinct dark spots, and a wavy, light-colored midline or cross markings.
Web Type
Vertical orb web constructed during the evening, typically measuring 1 to 2 feet in diameter. It features a sticky spiral for trapping flying insects and is often rebuilt nightly.
Eye Arrangement
Eight eyes arranged in two rows, typical of orb-weavers, with the lateral eyes often paired and the median eyes set on a slight raised tubercle.
Leg Characteristics
Long, strong legs distinctly banded with dark rings and light spots, equipped with prominent spination for gripping and manipulating struggling prey in the web.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains neurotoxic components tailored for paralyzing invertebrate prey. It is of no medical concern to humans.
Medical Significance
Harmless to humans. A bite is extremely rare, roughly comparable to a mild bee sting resulting in localized minor redness and swelling, requiring no special medical treatment.
Safety Recommendations
Leave undisturbed to benefit from natural pest control. If relocation is necessary, gently guide the spider into a container using a piece of paper.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found throughout North America, particularly east of the Rocky Mountains. Prefers gardens, structural corners of buildings, porches, barns, and wooded edges where artificial lights attract flying prey.
Behavior & Temperament
Nocturnal web-weaver that usually retreats to a nearby hiding spot or sits in the web hub after dark. Very docile, rarely bites unless severely squeezed or trapped.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predator of flying insects including moths, mosquitoes, beetles, flies, and occasional small wasps caught in its orb web.
Seasonal Activity
Most active during late summer and autumn when individuals reach adult size and females produce egg sacs.
Description
The Barn Spider is a familiar and beneficial nocturnal neighbor around human habitations, recognized by its large, robust, patterned abdomen and meticulous nightly orb webs. As a master of pest control, it quietly manages flying insect populations around porches and gardens.
Key Features
Bulbous, hairy abdomen with folium markings, nocturnal web-building habit, distinctive banded legs, and preference for building near outdoor lighting.
Similar Species
Cross Orb-Weaver (Araneus diadematus) which features a distinct white cross on the abdomen, and Neoscona domiciliorum (Red House Spider), which has brighter reddish tones.
Life Cycle
Females construct silk egg sacs in sheltered cracks or crevices during autumn, depositing hundreds of eggs. Spiderlings emerge in spring, disperse via ballooning, and mature by late summer or fall.
Ecological Importance
Serves as an important natural controller of flying insect pests, including agricultural pests and mosquitoes, while providing a food source for birds and small mammals.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are stable, widespread, and thriving across their native range.
Interesting Facts
Barn spiders often consume and rebuild their entire orb webs every single night to recycle the proteins in the silk and maintain stickiness.
Photography Tips
Use a macro lens with a flash or external light source at night when the spider is active in its web hub. Photograph from the side and top to clearly capture abdominal markings and leg banding.
Identified: 2026-09-26T16:05:51.209273