Bug Identifier
Long-jawed Orb Weaver
Community identification

Long-jawed Orb Weaver

Tetragnatha species

Order & Family
Araneae (Order), Tetragnathidae (Family)
Size
5 to 15 mm body length (excluding long legs).
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

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.