Spinybacked Orbweaver

Found in woodland edges, shrubbery, and citrus groves across the southern United States, Central America, and parts of the Caribbean.

Carnivorous; feeds on small insects like flies, moths, and beetles that get trapped in its orb web.

Constructs vertical orb webs with distinctive silk tufts; females have a crab-like shape with six prominent spines. They are generally solitary and active during the day.

Benefits the ecosystem by controlling insect populations. They are not aggressive and their bite is harmless to humans, though the spines can cause a mechanical prick if handled.