Arachnid
Western Spotted Orbweaver
Neoscona oaxacensisAlso known as Zig-zag Spider, Oaxaca Orbweaver
Western spotted orbweavers construct conspicuous, wheel-shaped webs in open fields, gardens, and shrublands across the Americas to capture flying insects. Their abdomens feature a distinctive dark zigzag pattern flanked by bright yellow or white spots, making them prominent garden residents. Active from summer through autumn, mature females frequently rebuild their intricate webs to maintain optimal structural efficiency.
Orb WeaverPatternedGarden Spider
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyFlies, Moths, Beetles
Predators
- Birds
- Mud dauber wasps
- Lizards
ThreatsWidespread pesticide use, vegetation clearing, and severe weather events
HabitatsShrublands, chaparral, agricultural fields, coastal dunes, and urban gardens
Life span1 year
Classification
- OrderAraneae
- FamilyAraneidae
- GenusNeoscona
- SpeciesNeoscona oaxacensis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskVery high
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is very high
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Web Spotting: Look for large circular webs strung between garden plants, shrub branches, or fence posts at dusk.
- Night Viewing: Use a soft light source to inspect the central hub of the web after dark when the spider actively waits for prey.
- Gentle Observation: Keep a respectful distance from support lines to prevent triggering a defensive drop into the undergrowth.
Co-occurring Orbweaver (c) M. Whitson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Predator (c) Nathan Odgers, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Mirko Schoenitz · cc0
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