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Spinybacked Orbweaver (Gasteracantha spp.)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Spinybacked Orbweaver


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Image Credit: Peter S., taken in Acton, MA
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Image Credit: Arch Baker
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Image Credit: Jeremy C. from southern FL
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Image Credit: Kim M. from TX
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Image Credit: Ronald C. from Diamondhead, MS
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Image Credit: Mike B. from FL
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Image Credit: Tammy M. from Pageland, SC
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Image Credit: Arch Baker
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Image Credit: Mike B. from FL
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Image Credit: Arch Baker
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Image Credit: Arch Baker
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Image Credit: Karen D. from Tampa Bay, FL
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Image Credit: Kimberly G. from FL
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Sharp prickles around the squat abdomen of the Spinybacked Orbweaver spider keep predators at bay.



Updated: 11/29/2023; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
The spines on the side of the female spider make the Spinybacked Orbweaver unique and easy to recognize. Males are considerably smaller than females and they lack the pointy spines. There are a variety of species in this genus and abdomen colors vary from red, orange and yellow to white and ivory. Spines are black or red. All have wide abdomens that give the body a crab-like resemblance. This kind of spider is sometimes called a Crablike Spiny Orbweaver.

Like other orb weavers, it creates a web that is circular in shape with only a few spirals at the center of its web. Each night, a new web is spun to catch small insect prey. The spider sits up-side-down on the web. Late in the year, the female lays eggs that will grow throughout winter, hatching spiderlings in the spring. The oval-shaped egg sac is near the web, usually hidden underneath leaves. It may be white, green, or yellowish, but it is woven of the spider's silk.©InsectIdentification.org


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General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Insect biting icon
Patterned 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: Gasteracantha
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            Species: spp.

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Gasteracantha spp.
Other Name(s): Crablike Spiny Orb Weaver Spider, Jewel Spider, Spiny-bellied Orbweaver
Category: Spider
Size (Adult; Length): 2mm to 10mm (0.07" to 0.39")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: orange; black; white; yellow; red
Descriptors: spikes; flat; spines; thorns; spots; biting; venomous


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 2mm (0.1in) and 10mm (0.4in)
Lo: 2mm
Md: 6mm
Hi: 10mm

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 Spinybacked Orbweaver 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 Spinybacked Orbweaver. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
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