Bug Identifier
Orb Weaver Spider (likely a furrow orb weaver)
Community identification

Orb Weaver Spider (likely a furrow orb weaver)

Likely Larinioides cornutus (Furrow Orb Weaver) or a similar species within Araneidae.

Order & Family
Order: Araneae, Family: Araneidae
Size
Body length typically ranges from 5-15 mm for females and 3-8 mm for males.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Gardens, fields, forests, and around human dwellings. They tend to build their webs in open areas between structures or vegetation.

Diet & Feeding

Insects and other small invertebrates caught in their webs.

Behavior Patterns

Orb weavers are known for spinning large, intricate, circular webs to catch prey. The webs are typically rebuilt daily, often at dawn or dusk. They are generally nocturnal.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Generally harmless to humans. While they possess venom, their bite is typically mild, causing localized pain, redness, and swelling, similar to a bee sting. They are not considered dangerous unless a person has an allergic reaction. Benefits: They are beneficial predators, helping to control populations of various insect pests.