Garden Orb Weaver Spider
Scientific Name: Araneidae (various species, e.g., Argiope aurantia, Neoscona crucifera)
Order & Family: Araneae, Araneidae
Size: Females typically 10-30 mm body length; males are much smaller, often 3-8 mm.
Natural Habitat
Gardens, fields, forests, and around human dwellings where they can build webs between structures and vegetation.
Diet & Feeding
Mainly flying insects like flies, mosquitoes, moths, and sometimes larger insects caught in their orb webs.
Behavior Patterns
Known for spinning large, intricate, and often beautiful circular (orb) webs to catch prey. Many species rebuild their webs daily, often at dawn or dusk. They typically hang head-down in the center of their web, waiting for prey. Some species exhibit diurnal activity, while others are nocturnal.
Risks & Benefits
Potential Risks: Generally not considered dangerous to humans. Bites are rare and usually only occur if the spider feels threatened or is accidentally squeezed. The venom is not medically significant, causing only localized pain, swelling, or itching, similar to a bee sting. Potential Benefits: They are beneficial predators, helping to control insect populations, particularly pest insects in gardens and agricultural settings.
Identified on: 9/12/2025