Shamrock Spider (Araneus trifolium)
Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Shamrock Spider.
Updated: 8/28/2017; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Shamrock Spider
The Shamrock Spider may not be green, but their stripes are in threes and gardens are lucky to have them.
The bold black and white legs of the Shamrock Spider lend this species a classic Halloween-look. The bulbous abdomen can vary in color from light white or yellow to bright red or purple.
As an Orb Weaver, the Shamrock Spider creates a new web every day. In the early morning, it eats the strands of its old web first and then rebuilds another, usually in the same place. This is one of the better times of day to see them in action. Orb Weavers tend to sit up-side down in the center of their web, but this species may actually hide in leaves nearby. It attaches a single thread to its hideout so it won't miss any movement made by an ensnared insect.
Females lay fertilized eggs in a sac spun from spider silk in autumn. The eggs overwinter and spiderlings wait to hatch until warmer spring weather returns. Once they emerge, they disperse and create their own webs and hideouts. Spiders reside in tall shrubs or grasses in woodlands or near water creeks, marshes and streams. They may also be found in parks and gardens, where they help reduce the number of pest insects.
