Spinybacked Orbweaver
ExploreInvertebrate
Spinybacked Orbweaver
gasteracantha cancriformis
The Spinybacked Orbweaver is a fascinating and highly recognizable spider known for its distinct, crab-like appearance and colorful abdomen. Found throughout warmer regions of the Americas, this small arachnid is a welcome addition to gardens, where it acts as a natural pest controller by weaving complex, sticky webs to snare flying insects. Despite its intimidating spines, this spider is entirely harmless to humans and rarely bites unless severely provoked. Observing a Spinybacked Orbweaver in its web provides a wonderful glimpse into the intricate engineering of nature. They are particularly active during the day, making them an excellent subject for nature enthusiasts and photographers looking to spot unique wildlife. Their geometric webs are often adorned with small silk tufts, adding to their visual charm.
Habitat: Found in citrus groves, hardwood forests, suburban gardens, and forest edges where they spin webs between trees and shrubs.
Appearance
This spider is easily identified by its broad, hardened abdomen featuring six prominent spines, typically red or black, projecting from the sides and rear. Females measure about 5 to 10 millimeters in length and 10 to 13 millimeters in width, showcasing vibrant colors like bright white, yellow, or orange on their upper abdominal surface, speckled with black spots. In contrast, males are significantly smaller, measuring only 2 to 3 millimeters, and are a drab gray or brown color without the prominent spines or bright coloration of their female counterparts.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassArachnidaOrderAraneaeFamilyAraneidaeGenusGasteracantha
Category
InvertebrateRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
After mating, the male often dies shortly after, and the female dies soon after producing her single, carefully wrapped egg sac.
Only the female Spinybacked Orbweaver possesses the large, colorful abdomen with prominent spines; the males are tiny, drab, and lack notable spines.
They construct a distinctive tufted web, adding small white silk dots along the support lines to make the web visible to birds so they do not fly through it.
Special abilities
Ability
Aposematic Shield
The bright coloration and sharp spines on the female's abdomen serve as a physical and visual deterrent to potential predators like birds.
Ability
Web Vibration Sensing
Using highly sensitive slit sensilla, the spider detects subtle vibrations in its web to pinpoint the exact location of trapped prey.
Ability
Silk Tuft Signaling
Adds visible tufts of white silk along its web lines to prevent birds from accidentally flying through and destroying the web.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 0-1 cm
- Weight
- 0.00005-0.0003 kg
- Lifespan
- 0-1 years
- Clutch Size
- 100-260
- Incubation
- 14-35 days
Diet & Feeding
Captures and feeds on small flying insects that become entangled in its strong, vertical orb web.
Age differences: Spiderlings consume smaller insects such as midges, while mature females target larger flies and beetles.
Primary Foods
- Fruit flies
- Mosquitoes
- Moths
- Beetles
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
Blue mud dauber wasp
Chalybion californicum
Wasp captures this spider to provision its mud nests for its larvae.
hunts
House fly
Musca domestica
The spider preys on house flies that fly into its sticky web.
eaten by
Carolina Chickadee
Poecile carolinensis
Preys on the spider, though it may avoid larger, spiny females.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Spinybacked Orbweaver?
The easiest way to identify Spinybacked Orbweaver is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Spinybacked Orbweaver?
0-1 cm
How much does Spinybacked Orbweaver weigh?
0.00005-0.0003 kg
How long does Spinybacked Orbweaver live?
0-1 years
What does Spinybacked Orbweaver eat?
Captures and feeds on small flying insects that become entangled in its strong, vertical orb web.
Where is Spinybacked Orbweaver usually found?
Found in citrus groves, hardwood forests, suburban gardens, and forest edges where they spin webs between trees and shrubs.
How does Spinybacked Orbweaver hunt?
Ambush
How many eggs does Spinybacked Orbweaver lay?
100-260
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