Cat-faced Spider

Natural Habitat

Commonly found in gardens, on the exterior of buildings, in shrubs, and tall grass, particularly in sunny locations where flying insects are abundant. They often build webs near outdoor lights.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on a variety of flying insects caught in its orb web, including flies, moths, beetles, grasshoppers, and wasps.

Behavior Patterns

This spider builds a classic, circular orb web, which it often reconstructs daily. It is a nocturnal hunter, typically sitting in the center of its web or hiding in a nearby retreat at night waiting for prey. Mature spiders are most visible in late summer and autumn. Females lay their eggs in a silken sac in the fall and die with the first hard frost.

Risks & Benefits

Considered highly beneficial due to its role in controlling populations of pest insects. It is non-aggressive and poses no threat to humans. A bite is extremely rare and would only occur if the spider is severely provoked or trapped; its venom is not medically significant to people.

Identified on: 9/26/2025