Orb-weaver Spider
ExploreInsects
Orb-weaver Spider
Araneidae
Orb-weaver Spiders are famous for their beautiful, round webs. They are great at catching insects in their sticky traps.
Habitat: Gardens and forests
Appearance
The Orb-weaver Spider is known for its often large, rounded abdomen, which can be smooth or spiky and brightly colored with intricate patterns. Many species have hairy legs. They are distinguished by their classic, geometrically perfect spiral webs.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassArachnidaOrderAraneaeFamilyAraneidaeGenusAraneus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Many orb-weavers are active at night, spinning a fresh, sticky web daily.
Some gigantic orb-weaver webs can stretch across streams and even small rivers.
Some species decorate their webs with zig-zag silk patterns called stabilimenta.
Their amazing silk is stronger than steel by weight, yet super stretchy!
Special abilities
Ability
Web Architect
Orb-weaver Spiders can spin incredibly strong and intricate spiral webs using specialized silk glands that help them efficiently capture flying insects.
Ability
Vibration Sensor
Orb-weaver Spiders have tiny, sensitive hairs on their legs and body that help them feel subtle vibrations from trapped prey or approaching dangers.
Ability
Silk Recycler
Orb-weaver Spiders can eat their old or damaged silk webs, reusing the protein to build a fresh, strong web almost every single night.
Ability
Sticky Trap Master
Orb-weaver Spiders have several types of silk, including very sticky strands that help them snare and hold struggling prey securely in their webs.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 3-30 mm
- Lifespan
- 180-365 days
- Leg Count
- 8
Diet & Feeding
These spiders mainly eat insects caught in their amazing sticky webs.
Primary Foods
- Flies
- Moths
- Beetles
- Mosquitoes
- Grasshoppers
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
House Fly
Musca domestica
Traps flies in its sticky web.
hunts
Black Swallowtail
Papilio polyxenes
Catches butterflies and moths that fly into its web.
eats
European Hornet
Vespa crabro
Some hornets can attack and eat spiders.
eaten by
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Birds frequently feed on spiders and their egg sacs.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Web Builder
This trait characterizes organisms that construct elaborate silken webs for catching prey, shelter, or reproduction.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Common Orb-weaverOrb-weaver
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Orb-weaver Spider?
3-30 mm
How long does Orb-weaver Spider live?
180-365 days
What does Orb-weaver Spider eat?
These spiders mainly eat insects caught in their amazing sticky webs.
Where is Orb-weaver Spider usually found?
Gardens and forests
How does Orb-weaver Spider hunt?
Ambush
How many legs does Orb-weaver Spider have?
8
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
