Hentz Orb-Weaver, Spotted Orb-Weaver, Barn Spider
Neoscona crucifera
Araneidae (Orb-Weavers), Order Araneae
Physical Description
Bulbous, oval-shaped abdomen tapering slightly, with a robust cephalothorax. Shows pronounced sexual dimorphism with females significantly larger and heavier bodied than males.
Size Estimate
Body length ranges from 10 to 18 mm for females, with a leg span reaching up to 35-40 mm.
Coloration & Markings
Variable coloration ranging from light brown, yellowish-orange to reddish-brown or grey, often featuring a distinct cross-like pattern or series of spots on the dorsal abdomen.
Web Type
Vertical orb web constructed with sticky spiral threads, typically built at night and often taken down or rebuilt daily, placed in doorways, porches, or among vegetation.
Eye Arrangement
Eight small eyes arranged in two rows of four, with the lateral eyes typically paired on tubercles.
Leg Characteristics
Long, moderately thick legs with distinct dark banding and numerous spines, held flat or radially when resting on the web.
Venom & Safety Information
Venom Information
Contains mild neurotoxic venom used to immobilize insect prey, which is generally harmless to humans.
Medical Significance
Not medically significant. Bites are extremely rare, usually only occurring if the spider is trapped against the skin, and typically result in minor localized pain and swelling.
Safety Recommendations
Leave undisturbed when possible. If found inside a house, gently guide the spider into a container using a piece of paper and release it outdoors.
Habitat & Behavior
Habitat & Range
Found throughout eastern and central North America, commonly inhabiting gardens, wooden structures, porches, barns, and forest edges.
Behavior & Temperament
Docile and non-aggressive. Usually hides during the day in a retreat near the web or hangs centrally at night, dropping to the ground if disturbed.
Diet & Prey
Generalist predator feeding on flying insects including moths, beetles, mosquitoes, and flies caught in its orb web.
Seasonal Activity
Most active and noticeable during late summer and autumn when females reach full adult size and construct egg sacs.
Description
A common and beneficial nocturnal orb-weaver frequently encountered around human habitations in North America, known for constructing large, intricate circular webs to catch flying pests.
Key Features
Hairy or spiny legs with dark banding, robust bulbous abdomen often featuring a cruciform or spotted pattern, and vertical orb web construction.
Similar Species
Other Araneus and Neoscona species such as Neoscona domiciliorum (Red House Spider), distinguished by specific abdominal markings and coloration patterns.
Life Cycle
Females construct silken egg sacs in sheltered autumn locations containing hundreds of eggs. Spiderlings emerge in spring, undergoing multiple molts to reach maturity by late summer.
Ecological Importance
Serves as a vital biological control agent by consuming large quantities of agricultural and nuisance insect pests.
Conservation Status
Not evaluated by the IUCN, but populations are stable, widespread, and abundant across their native range.
Interesting Facts
Many orb-weavers consume their old webs daily to recycle proteins and moisture before spinning a fresh one.
Photography Tips
Use a macro lens with a flash or auxiliary light source at night when the spider is active in the center of its web for the best contrast and detail.
Identified: 2026-07-29T03:22:03.971581