Furrow Orb-weaver

Commonly found in moist areas near water such as rivers and lakes, but also frequently on man-made structures like buildings, fences, and bridges, as well as in gardens and meadows.

Insectivorous. They build classic orb webs to capture flying insects like flies, moths, mosquitoes, and beetles. The spider waits in a nearby retreat and senses vibrations from trapped prey.

Primarily nocturnal. They build a new web each evening and often consume the old one to recycle the proteins. During the day, they hide in a silken retreat constructed in a crevice or folded leaf near the web's edge. The life cycle typically lasts one year, with adults being most common in late summer and autumn.

Highly beneficial to ecosystems and gardens as they control populations of flying insects, including common pests. They are not aggressive and are harmless to humans. A bite is rare and would only occur in self-defense, resulting in minor, localized symptoms similar to a bee sting.