Orb Weaver Spider

Natural Habitat

Gardens, forests, fields, and around human dwellings where they can build their webs between structures or vegetation.

Diet & Feeding

Insects caught in their webs, such as flies, moths, mosquitoes, and other small flying insects. They immobilize prey with venom and then wrap them in silk for later consumption.

Behavior Patterns

Orb weavers are known for constructing intricate, circular (orb-shaped) webs daily, often at dusk or dawn. They typically sit in the center of their web or hide nearby, often with a signal line, waiting for prey. Many species are nocturnal, taking down and rebuilding their webs each night.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Generally harmless to humans. Their bites are rare and typically result in only mild, localized pain and swelling, similar to a bee sting. They are not considered medically significant. Benefits: Significant predators of flying insects, helping to control pest populations in gardens and agricultural settings.

Identified on: 9/15/2025