Orb Weaver Spider (likely Araneus diadematus or a similar large orb weaver species)
Scientific Name: Araneus spp. (e.g., Araneus diadematus or Cross Orb Weaver is a very common species with similar appearance and behavior)
Order & Family: Order: Araneae, Family: Araneidae (Orb Weavers)
Size: Body length typically ranges from 5 mm to 20 mm (0.2 to 0.8 inches) for females; males are often smaller. The leg span can be significantly larger due to their long legs. The spider in the image appears to be a medium to large-sized individual.
Natural Habitat
Orb weavers are commonly found in gardens, forests, fields, and around human structures. They prefer areas where they can build their large webs, often between branches, tall plants, or around eaves and windows. The spider in the image appears to be in an outdoor setting, potentially near a building or balcony structure.
Diet & Feeding
Mainly insects caught in their webs, such as flies, moths, mosquitoes, and other small flying insects.
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 and spin a new web each evening, often consuming the old web in the morning to recycle the silk. They typically hang head-down in the center of their web or hide nearby, often vibrated by a signal line, waiting for prey to get entangled. They are generally not aggressive.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: Orb weaver spiders are generally not dangerous to humans. Their venom is mild and typically only causes localized pain, redness, or swelling if a bite occurs, similar to a bee sting. Bites are rare as they are not aggressive unless provoked. Benefits: They are highly beneficial for pest control, catching and consuming large numbers of insects, including those considered pests. They are an important part of the ecosystem's food web.
Identified on: 8/26/2025