Orb-weaver spider
Scientific Name: Araneidae (family)
Order & Family: Order Araneae, Family Araneidae
Size: Commonly 0.5 to 1 inch for females (body length), males are much smaller
Natural Habitat
Found in gardens, forests, and wetlands; often near lights at night
Diet & Feeding
Mainly flying insects like flies, moths, and beetles caught in webs
Behavior Patterns
Constructs vertical, wheel-shaped webs; many species are nocturnal and rebuild their webs daily
Risks & Benefits
Benefits include pest control; not medically significant to humans, though bites can cause mild localized pain
Identified on: 6/10/2026