Image Credit: Image copyright www.InsectIdentification.org; No Reproduction Permitted
12/15
Image Credit: Dave R. from Southfield, MI
13/15
Image Credit: Deland S. from Daytona Beach, FL
14/15
Image Credit: Deland S. from Daytona Beach, FL
15/15
Image Credit: Denise B. from PA
The colorful and elongated abdomen of the Venusta Orchard Spider are almost shiny like beads. This spider works hard in trees and shrubs.
Venusta Orchard Spider Videos
Blowing air on a Venusta Orchard Spider
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.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Arachnida
Order:Araneae
Family:Tetragnathidae
Genus:Leucauge
Species:venusta
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Leucauge venusta
Other Name(s): Orchard Spider
Category:
Spider
Size (Adult; Length): 3mm to 8mm (0.12in to 0.31in)
Colors: green; teal; silver; red; black; white; yellow; brown
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Spider Anatomy
1
Legs: Spiders have four pairs of legs and these are attached to the cephalothorax.
2
Pedipalps: Small appendages near the mouth used as taste and smell organs.
3
Cephalothorax: Contains eyes, head, mouthparts, and legs.
4
Abdomen: Contains various organs related to digestion, reproduction, and web-making.
5
Spinnerets: Used in the production of spider silk for fashioning webs or catching prey.
NOTE: Unlike insects, spiders have both an endoskeleton (internal) and exoskeleton (external).
Colors: green; teal; silver; red; black; white; yellow; brown
