Bug Identifier
Western Spotted Orbweaver
Community identification

Western Spotted Orbweaver

Neoscona oaxacensis

Order & Family
Order Araneae, Family Araneidae
Size
Females range from 9-18 mm; males are smaller, typically 6-13 mm.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found in diverse habitats including gardens, woodlands, fields, and near human structures across North and Central America.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; feeds on flying insects like flies, moths, and beetles trapped in its orb-shaped web.

Behavior Patterns

They are nocturnal hunters that often build or repair their webs at dusk. They typically sit in the center of the web facing downward waiting for vibrations from prey.

Risks & Benefits

Highly beneficial to ecosystems as natural pest control. They are not aggressive toward humans and their venom is not medically significant, though a bite may cause minor localized pain.