Orb weaver spiders belong to the order Araneae, which includes all spiders, and the family Araneidae, one of the largest and most diverse spider families in the world. This family is defined by the spiders’ ability to build characteristic wheel-shaped webs, which are among the most intricate and visually striking web structures found in nature. Members of this group are classified as arachnids, meaning they have eight legs, no antennae, and segmented bodies divided into two main parts: the cephalothorax and abdomen.
These spiders are typically known for their large, rounded abdomens and relatively long legs, which often have noticeable spines or bands. While their color and size can vary greatly, many display striking patterns or hues that serve both to camouflage them in foliage and to startle predators. Most orb weavers are non-aggressive and harmless to humans, though their appearance can be intimidating due to their size and bold markings.
Orb weavers are widely distributed across the globe and are particularly common in temperate and tropical regions. They can be found in forests, grasslands, gardens, wetlands, and even urban areas, wherever there is enough vegetation or structural support for their webs. Their widespread presence makes them familiar to people in many parts of the world, especially during late summer and early fall when they are most visible.
The webs of orb weavers are their most iconic feature. These webs are typically built in open spaces between trees, shrubs, or man-made structures. The spiders spin them at night or in the early morning, using specialized silk glands that produce different types of silk for different parts of the web. The sticky spiral threads trap flying insects, while the non-sticky structural threads allow the spider to move freely. If a web becomes damaged or dirty, the spider may consume it to recycle the silk proteins before building a new one.
Orb weavers are solitary predators, and they rely on their webs to catch prey such as flies, moths, beetles, and mosquitoes. Once an insect is trapped, the spider senses the vibrations, rushes to the prey, and immobilizes it with silk before delivering a venomous bite. Their venom is effective against insects but poses little to no danger to humans. After feeding, the spider often leaves the dry husk of its prey in the web or discards it.
Most orb weaver spiders are short-lived, with lifespans ranging from several months to just over a year. Many hatch in the spring, grow through the summer, and reproduce in late summer or fall. After mating, the female produces one or more silken egg sacs, which she may hide in protected areas. Adults often die before winter, while the eggs survive the cold months and hatch the following spring, starting the cycle anew.
Despite their sometimes fearsome appearance, orb weavers are beneficial to humans and ecosystems alike. They help control populations of flying insects, including pests, and their presence indicates a healthy, balanced environment. Though their webs may occasionally be in inconvenient places, these spiders play a crucial role in natural pest management and are a fascinating example of complex behavior in the arachnid world.
Orb Weaver Spiders
Yellow Garden Spider
Scientific Name: Argiope aurantia
The Yellow Garden Spider, also known as the black and yellow garden spider, is a striking orb-weaver with a bulbous abdomen featuring bright yellow and black markings. Females, growing up to 28 mm, are much larger than males (5–7 mm) and have a silvery cephalothorax.
Their legs are long with alternating black and yellow bands. They build large, wheel-shaped webs, often with a zigzag stabilimentum in the center, in sunny gardens, fields, and shrubbery across North America. These spiders are harmless to humans, using their webs to catch flies and other insects, occasionally even small vertebrates.
Spotted Orbweaver
Scientific Name: Neoscona crucifera
The Spotted Orbweaver, or Hentz orbweaver, is identified by its oval abdomen with a cream or tan background covered in brown or reddish spots. Females range from 9–14 mm, while males are smaller. Their legs are long, slender, and banded, with hairy bodies.
Nocturnal by nature, they build large webs (up to 2 feet) in woodlands, parks, and gardens, often near homes. Their coloration varies (tan, red-brown, or orange-red), and they’re commonly seen in the U.S., preying on insects like moths and flies.
Spinybacked Orbweaver
Scientific Name: Gasteracantha cancriformis
The Spinybacked Orbweaver is easily recognized by its crab-like appearance, with a white abdomen, black spots, and six distinctive reddish spines projecting from its oval abdomen. Females are larger (5–9 mm) than males, with black legs. Found in gardens, parks, and coastal areas across the Americas, they build vertical orb webs to capture whiteflies, beetles, and moths. Their bright coloration and spines deter predators, making them a standout species in sunny habitats.
Golden Silk Spider
Scientific Name: Trichonephila clavipes
Known as the banana spider, the Golden Silk Spider is notable for its large size (up to 40 mm for females) and golden-yellow webs that shimmer in sunlight. Females have a silvery-grey to plum-colored body with brown-black legs, often yellow-banded, while males are tiny and red-brown. Common in southern U.S. and South America, they build strong, expansive webs in tropical gardens and woodlands, capturing flies, beetles, and even small birds. Their venom is mild and not harmful to humans.
Cross Orbweaver
Scientific Name: Araneus diadematus
The Cross Orbweaver, or European garden spider, is identified by a distinctive white cross pattern of dots on its rounded abdomen, which ranges from light brown to reddish-orange. Females (6.5–20 mm) are larger than males (5–13 mm), with faintly banded brown legs. Introduced to North America from Europe, they build large webs (up to 60 cm) in gardens, shrubs, and forests, active in late summer and autumn. Their non-aggressive nature makes them a common sight near human habitation.
Banded Garden Spider
Scientific Name: Argiope trifasciata
The Banded Garden Spider features an elongated, oval abdomen with striking black and yellow horizontal bands. Females (9–17 mm) are larger than males (around 5 mm), with legs showing faint orange hues. Their large webs, often with zigzag stabilimenta, are built in sunny gardens and fields across North America. These webs, averaging 23 inches, trap various insects. The stabilimenta may deter birds from flying into the web, making this species a vibrant addition to open landscapes.
Marbled Orbweaver
Scientific Name: Araneus marmoreus
Also called the pumpkin spider, the Marbled Orbweaver has a bulbous, orange or yellow abdomen with marbled patterns, resembling a pumpkin. Females grow up to 20 mm, with short, wide legs. Found in dense vegetation near streams or gardens, they build vertical orb webs and create a silk hiding cocoon. Common in North America, their bright coloration and unique abdominal markings make them easy to spot in late summer.
Spined Micrathena
Scientific Name: Micrathena gracilis
The Spined Micrathena is a small orb-weaver (8–10 mm for females) with a spiked white and black abdomen, giving it an irregular, castle-like shape. Nocturnal, they rebuild the central section of their orb webs nightly in oak and hickory forests, capturing small insects like flies. Common in North America, they frequently relocate to new web sites every 7–10 days. Their venom is harmless to humans, and their small size makes them less conspicuous.
Furrow Orbweaver
Scientific Name: Larinioides cornutus
The Furrow Orbweaver has a bulbous abdomen in pink, yellow, brown, or gray, with a lighter-colored top. Females (6–14 mm) are larger than males. Preferring moist environments near water, they build webs in grass or shrubs to catch insects. Common across North America, they’re known for communal living during mating season, with females emitting pheromones to attract males. Their webs are less ornate but effective for capturing prey.
Barn Orb-Weaver
Scientific Name: Araneus cavaticus
The Barn Orb-Weaver, or barn spider, has a large, rounded abdomen with scattered white spots on a brownish or reddish background. Females (15–20 mm) are larger than males, with stout, subtly banded legs. Common around human structures like barns and porches, they build webs near ceilings to catch moths and flies. Active in late summer, their presence near man-made structures makes them a familiar sight in rural areas.
St. Andrew’s Cross Spider
Scientific Name: Argiope keyserlingi
This Australian orb-weaver is named for the X-shaped stabilimentum in its web, resembling a St. Andrew’s cross. Females (10–16 mm) have a yellow and black abdomen with banded legs, while males are smaller and brown. Found in gardens and forests, their webs trap insects like flies and moths. The stabilimentum may attract prey or deter predators, and their vibrant colors make them a standout in Australian ecosystems.
Jewel Spider
Scientific Name: Austracantha minax
The Jewel Spider, also known as the Christmas spider in Australia, has a small, shiny, black abdomen with yellow, white, and orange markings and six spines. Females (5–8 mm) are larger than males. Their orb webs are built in gardens and shrubbery, capturing small insects. Common in Australia, their jewel-like appearance and spiny abdomen make them distinctive in sunny, open habitats.
Leaf-Curling Spider
Scientific Name: Phonognatha graeffei
The Leaf-Curling Spider, native to Australia, is known for curling a leaf into a retreat within its orb web. Females (8–12 mm) have a brown or green abdomen with subtle markings, blending with vegetation. Their webs, built in forests or gardens, trap small insects. This species’ unique behavior of using leaves as a hideout aids in predator avoidance and prey capture.
Giant Golden Orb-Weaver
Scientific Name: Nephila pilipes
The Giant Golden Orb-Weaver is one of the largest orb-weavers, with females reaching up to 50 mm. Their silvery-grey to yellow bodies and black-yellow legs create golden-hued webs up to 3 feet wide. Found in tropical Asia and Australia, they inhabit forests and gardens, capturing large insects and occasionally small vertebrates. Their size and web strength make them a formidable predator.
Four-Spined Jewel Spider
Scientific Name: Gasteracantha quadrispinosa
This Australian species has a hard, shiny abdomen with four prominent spines, colored in black with yellow or white markings. Females (6–10 mm) are larger than males. Their orb webs, built in gardens and woodlands, capture small insects. The spiny, jewel-like abdomen and compact size distinguish them from other orb-weavers in their range.
Garden Orb-Weaver
Scientific Name: Eriophora transmarina
The Garden Orb-Weaver, common in Australia, has a bulbous abdomen in shades of brown, green, or red, often with a mottled pattern. Females (15–25 mm) are nocturnal, rebuilding their webs at night in gardens and forests. Their webs are large and symmetrical, catching moths and flies. Their variable coloration and nocturnal habits make them less conspicuous during the day.
Bird-Dropping Spider
Scientific Name: Celaenia excavata
This Australian orb-weaver mimics bird droppings, with a white and brown, irregularly shaped abdomen. Females (10–12 mm) rest in their orb webs, luring prey with moth-like pheromones. Found in forests and gardens, they capture moths and other insects. Their unique camouflage and chemical mimicry make them a fascinating species for identification.
Wrap-Around Spider
Scientific Name: Dolophones species
The Wrap-Around Spider, native to Australia, has a flat, disc-like abdomen that wraps around twigs or stems for camouflage. Females (5–9 mm) are brown or grey, blending seamlessly with bark. Their orb webs, built in forests or shrubbery, catch small insects. This species’ ability to flatten against surfaces makes it challenging to spot without close inspection.
Shamrock Orb-Weaver
Scientific Name: Araneus trifolium
The Shamrock Orb-Weaver, found in North America, has a bulbous abdomen with a clover-like pattern in green, yellow, or red. Females (9–15 mm) are larger than males. Their webs are built in grassy areas or forests, capturing small insects. The distinctive abdominal pattern and preference for moist habitats aid in identification.
Arrowhead Spider
Scientific Name: Verrucosa arenata
The Arrowhead Spider, native to North America, has a triangular, arrow-shaped abdomen with white, yellow, or red markings. Females (7–14 mm) build orb webs in forests and fields, often near water, to catch insects. Their unique abdominal shape and bright coloration distinguish them from other orb-weavers in their range.
Hawaiian Garden Spider
Scientific Name: Argiope appensa
The Hawaiian Garden Spider, common in Hawaii and parts of the Pacific, has a bulbous abdomen with yellow and black patterns, similar to the Yellow Garden Spider. Females (10–20 mm) build large orb webs with stabilimenta in gardens and forests, capturing flies and moths. Their tropical distribution and vibrant markings make them a notable species.
Identification Tips
- Web Structure: Look for circular, wheel-shaped webs, often with stabilimenta (zigzag silk) in species like Argiope. Web size and location (e.g., gardens, forests, or near structures) are key clues.
- Abdomen Shape and Color: Note bulbous, spiny, or irregular abdomens and distinctive patterns (e.g., crosses, bands, or spots). Colors range from dull browns to bright yellows and reds.
- Habitat: Orb-weavers are found globally in gardens, forests, fields, and near water. Specific species prefer certain environments (e.g., barns for Araneus cavaticus).
- Behavior: Most are nocturnal, rebuilding webs at night, but some (e.g., Argiope, Nephila) remain in webs during the day.
- Size and Sexual Dimorphism: Females are typically larger and more colorful than males, aiding in species identification.