Orb Weaver Spider (likely a species of Araneus, such as Araneus diadematus or Araneus cavaticus, but specific identification is difficult from the image alone)

Natural Habitat

Orb weavers are commonly found in gardens, woodlands, forests, fields, and around human structures such as houses, fences, and bridges. They prefer areas with good anchor points for their webs, such as between tree branches, shrubs, or along eaves and railings.

Diet & Feeding

Orb weavers are predatory spiders. Their diet primarily consists of flying insects such as flies, mosquitoes, moths, and butterflies, which get caught in their sticky silk webs. They will wrap their prey in silk and then inject venom to immobilize and digest it.

Behavior Patterns

Orb weavers are known for spinning large, intricate, and often beautiful spiral wheel-shaped webs to catch prey. Most orb weavers are nocturnal, building or repairing their webs at dusk and remaining in or near the web throughout the night. They may dismantle their webs at dawn and construct a new one each night. They typically hang head down in the center of the web or hide in a retreat made of leaves and silk at the edge of the web, with a signal line running to the hub.

Risks & Benefits

Orb weaver spiders are generally beneficial as they help control populations of various flying insects, including pests. They are not considered dangerous to humans. While they possess venom, their bites are rare and typically only occur if they are provoked or feel threatened. The venom is not medically significant for humans, usually resulting in mild, localized pain, redness, or swelling, similar to a bee sting. There are no significant risks or benefits beyond insect control.

Identified on: 8/18/2025