Arachnid
Ninja-star Ceiling Spider
Zosis geniculataAlso known as Grey House Spider, Humpless Feather-legged Spider
Ninja-star ceiling spiders are notable for lacking venom glands entirely, relying instead on intricately combed cribellate silk to ensnare prey. They spin horizontal or slightly inclined orb webs along ceilings, eaves, and sheltered rock overhangs, hanging upside down in the web hub while waiting for flying insects. Females produce distinctive star-shaped or polygonal egg sacs that resemble small throwing stars, anchoring them securely along structural corners.
NocturnalSynanthropicWeb Weaver
—observations
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—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyMosquitoes, Drain flies, Small moths
Predators
- Jumping spiders
- Geckos
- Mud dauber wasps
ThreatsPesticide application, routine indoor cleaning, and habitat disruption
HabitatsTropical and subtropical buildings, sheds, caves, and sheltered rocky overhangs
Life span1–2 years
Classification
- OrderAraneae
- FamilyUloboridae
- GenusZosis
- SpeciesZosis geniculata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Completely non-venomous and harmless; safe to observe at any distance.
Responsible observation
- Web Observation: Look closely along indoor ceiling corners and rafters where faint, fuzzy webs hang horizontally.
- Egg Sac Identification: Check nearby anchor silk for flattened, multi-pointed, star-shaped silk capsules.
- Pest Control Value: Leave individuals undisturbed indoors to help suppress household flies and mosquitoes.
Predator Vengolis / CC BY-SA 3.0 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Image unavailablePrey Same Family Same Family
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