Larinioides Cornutus

larinioides cornutus

The Furrow Orbweaver, scientifically known as Larinioides cornutus, is a captivating and highly adaptable nocturnal spider commonly spotted near aquatic environments. This industrious arachnid is beloved by nature enthusiasts for its intricate web-weaving skills and its remarkable ability to coexist alongside human structures. During the day, they remain safely tucked away in silken retreats, only to emerge at dusk to construct or repair their large, geometrically perfect wheel-shaped webs. Because they are highly attracted to artificial lights that draw in insects, they frequently establish themselves near outdoor lamps, bridges, and docks. They play an essential role in regulating local flying insect populations, making them a beneficial neighbor in urban and natural wetlands alike.

Habitat: Commonly found in moist areas near water sources, such as lakes, rivers, and marshes, where they construct webs on reeds, tall grasses, docks, and bridge railings.

Appearance

Larinioides cornutus is characterized by its bulbous, oval-shaped abdomen, which displays a distinctive wavy pattern known as a folium. This pattern is typically outlined in dark brown or black against a lighter grey, tan, or reddish-brown background, resembling deep furrows. Their legs are stout, translucent, and conspicuously banded with alternating rings of dark brown and light grey or yellow. Females are noticeably larger, measuring between 6 to 14 millimeters in body length, while the more slender males generally range from 5 to 9 millimeters.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassArachnidaOrderAraneaeFamilyAraneidaeGenusLarinioides

Larinioides Cornutus

Interesting facts

During the day, they hide in a silk retreat which they camouflage with plant debris or tuck into structural crevices to avoid visual predators like birds.

The species name 'cornutus' is Latin for 'horned', which refers to the distinct lobe-like shapes on the anterior portion of the spider's abdomen.

They build a brand new web almost every single day, usually taking less than an hour to complete the entire structure.

Special abilities

To conserve energy, this spider frequently eats its own old web at the end of the night to recycle the complex proteins and amino acids for spinning a new web.

Utilizes specialized, extra-strong bridge lines to anchor webs across large gaps over water, withstanding strong winds and rain.

Produces cryoprotective compounds (polyols and proteins) in its hemolymph, allowing it to survive sub-zero temperatures during winter.

Measurements & details

Length: 0+ cm
Weight: 0+ kg
Lifespan: 1+ years
Clutch Size: 100+
Incubation: 14+ days

Diet & Feeding

Mainly feeds on nocturnal flying insects that emerge from or live near water bodies, catching them in vertical orb webs.

Age differences: Spiderlings eat tiny insects like gnats and fruit flies, whereas mature adults target larger aquatic flies and moths.

Primary Foods

Midges
Mosquitoes
Mayflies
Moths
Caddisflies

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

hunts

Chironomid Midge

Chironomus plumosus

Preys heavily on this insect when it emerges in large swarms over lakes and slow-moving rivers.

eaten by

Blue Mud Dauber

Chalybion californicum

Frequently hunted by this predatory wasp to paralyze and use as food for its developing larvae.

eaten by

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

Forages on shrubs and structures near water, opportunistically feeding on orbweavers.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Collections for this object will appear here as more themes are added.

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Larinioides Cornutus?

The easiest way to identify Larinioides Cornutus is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Larinioides Cornutus?

0+ cm

How much does Larinioides Cornutus weigh?

0+ kg

How long does Larinioides Cornutus live?

1+ years

What does Larinioides Cornutus eat?

Mainly feeds on nocturnal flying insects that emerge from or live near water bodies, catching them in vertical orb webs.

Where is Larinioides Cornutus usually found?

Commonly found in moist areas near water sources, such as lakes, rivers, and marshes, where they construct webs on reeds, tall grasses, docks, and bridge railings.

How does Larinioides Cornutus hunt?

Ambush

How many eggs does Larinioides Cornutus lay?

100+