Orb Weaver

Other Name(s): Orb Weaver

Characteristics: Orb Weavers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Common traits among some include the rounded abdomen and orange-to-brown and brown or black coloring - those this colors may vary per species. Legs of an Orb Weaver are generally very long, giving it a most menacing look, and their overall body size can range from 6mm for males and up to 10mm to 20mm for the females.

Habitats can range from grass to corners of homes or under protected porches. Their webs are clearly their operating stage as the Orb Weaver sits in the middle, head facing downwards, waiting for prey to come upon their net. If the spider is not found 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 a prey gets entangled in the sticky web, the spider can come out to finish the job.

It is reported that Orb Weavers will re-spin a new web every night. Their proficiency at nighttime hunting and propensity to enjoy insects makes them the ultimate in the way of mosquito zappers. 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'll notice the mosquito population dwindle in the dusk-to-nighttime hours.

General Adult Size (Length):
6mm to 20mm (0.24in to 0.79in)

Identifying Colors: orange, brown, yellow, black

North American reach includes (may not be limited to): Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Category: Spider
Common Name: Orb Weaver
Scientific Name: (Araneus spp.)

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