
Community identification
Cat-faced Spider
Araneus gemmoides
- Order & Family
- Araneae: Araneidae
- Size
- Females range from 13 to 22 mm; males are much smaller, around 5 to 7 mm
Natural Habitat
Often found near houses, under eaves, and in gardens or woodland edges
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous, primarily feeding on flying insects like flies, moths, and mosquitoes caught in its orb web
Behavior Patterns
They are nocturnal orb-weavers that often build large webs. The spider is known for the two horn-like protrusions on its abdomen that resemble cat ears.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits the ecosystem by controlling insect populations. They are not dangerous to humans, as their venom is mild and they are generally non-aggressive.