Bug Identifier
Bark Spider
Community identification

Bark Spider

Caerostris sp. (Example: Caerostris darwini)

Order & Family
Araneae: Araneidae
Size
Commonly 10–25 millimeters (females); males are significantly smaller.
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Woodlands and forests, often found camouflaged against the bark of trees during the day.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous; feeds primarily on flying insects like flies, moths, and bees caught in vertical orb webs.

Behavior Patterns

Nocturnal web builders. They possess evolved camouflage that mimics tree bark or knots, allowing them to hide from predators and prey during daylight hours. They often dismantle their webs at dawn and rebuild at dusk.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the ecosystem by controlling flying insect populations. They are not considered medically significant to humans, though their bite may cause minor localized irritation.