Orb Weaver Spider (likely a species of Argiope or Araneus)
Scientific Name: Araneidae (family)
Order & Family: Order: Araneae, Family: Araneidae
Size: Typically 5mm to 30mm (body length), with females being larger than males. Leg span can be significantly larger.
Natural Habitat
Gardens, fields, forests, and other natural areas where they can build webs between plants or structures. Often found in grassy or bushy environments.
Diet & Feeding
Insects and other small invertebrates caught in their orb-shaped webs, such as flies, mosquitoes, moths, and aphids. They are predatory.
Behavior Patterns
Known for spinning elaborate, circular (orb) webs to catch prey. Many species rebuild their webs daily, often at dusk or dawn. They typically wait in the center of the web or a nearby retreat for prey to become entangled. Females are often solitary.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans; their venom is not considered medically significant, and bites are rare and typically only occur if provoked. They are highly beneficial in controlling insect populations, including agricultural pests and nuisance insects like mosquitoes.
Identified on: 9/10/2025