
Community identification
Long-jawed Orb Weaver
Tetragnatha species
- Order & Family
- Araneae (Order), Tetragnathidae (Family)
- Size
- 5 to 15 mm body length (excluding long legs).
Natural Habitat
Wetlands, meadows, gardens, and near bodies of water such as streams, ponds, and marshes.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous; feeds primarily on small flying insects such as midges, mosquitoes, flies, and moths captured in its web.
Behavior Patterns
Known for their elongated bodies and legs. When resting on twigs or grass, they stretch their front legs straight forward and rear legs straight back to camouflage themselves as a stick. They build horizontal or inclined orb webs, often over water.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans; their venom is not medically significant. Highly beneficial to ecosystems and gardens as natural pest control for insects like mosquitoes.