Venusta Orchard Spider (Leucauge venusta)
Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Venusta Orchard Spider.
Updated: 5/21/2018; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Venusta Orchard Spider
The colorful and elongated abdomen of the Venusta Orchard Spider are almost shiny like beads. This spider works hard in trees and shrubs.
Common in forested areas, this colorful spider almost appears to be painted. The abdomen can be a variety of color combinations, each depending on the individual spider. Bright red, orange, green and/or yellow at the end of the abdomen may or may not be present. The capsule-shaped abdomen is very different compared to the more spherical abdomen of most Orbweaver spiders.
Venusta Orchard Spider webs can be found in shrubs or trees and have widely-spaced strands. The spider itself will hang up-side down at the edge of its horizontal web, or hide on a twig nearby, waiting for prey. Once ensnared, the spider will bite the insect to immobilize, wrap it in spider silk and consume it when it likes. They may also be found running around foliage and their homes. They are tiny, but fast:
