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Orb Weaver (Araneus spp.)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Orb Weaver


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Orb Weavers come in a variety of colors and patterns, but their spiral shaped webs and rounded abdomen help in identify this helpful garden spider.



Updated: 10/03/2022; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Orb Weavers are a commonly seen spider in gardens and trees. They all seem to have a bulbous abdomen and build circular webs that they sit in. Many are orange, brown, and black. Legs of an Orb Weaver are generally very long, giving length to the overall size of the spider. Males are about 6 mm long, while females can be 10 mm to 20 mm long.

Habitats for Orb Weavers range from tall grasses to the quiet corners inside homes and under protected porches. The web is a masterpiece and the Orb Weaver sits in the middle, head facing downwards, waiting for prey to enter. If the spider is not in the middle of the web, it is usually nearby monitoring the web by way of a "signal" line still attached to the spider. The moment anything gets entangled in the sticky web, the signal line vibrates and the spider comes out to finish its work.

It is reported that Orb Weavers re-spin a new web every night. Their proficiency at nighttime hunting and propensity to eat many insects make them a great tool in lowering mosquito populations. If you find an Orb Weaver near your front door or deck, and it is not in an intimidating area for you or your guests, keep it around and you may notice the mosquito population dwindle in the dusk-to-nighttime hours. Webs set among garden plants help with pest control organically.©InsectIdentification.org




Known Diet of the Arboreal-Orb-Weaver



insects
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General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Insect biting icon
Hairy insect icon
Helpful insect icon
Spiny / Spiky insect icon
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Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Arachnida
      Order: Araneae
        Family: Araneidae
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          Genus: Araneus
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            Species: spp.

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Araneus spp.
Other Name(s): Orb Weaver
Category: Spider
Size (Adult; Length): 6mm to 25mm (0.23" to 0.98")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: orange; brown; yellow; black; white
Descriptors: up-side-down; hairy; spiky; biting; venomous; helpful


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 6mm (0.2in) and 25mm (1.0in)
Lo: 6mm
Md: 15.5mm
Hi: 25mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
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Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Orb Weaver may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Orb Weaver. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
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