Arachnid · GBIF taxon 2158882
Spotted Orbweaver
Neoscona cruciferaAlso known as Hentz Orbweaver, Barn Spider
Spotted orbweavers build intricate, wheel-shaped webs at dusk to catch nocturnal flying insects, often constructing them near porch lights and outdoor fixtures. Females possess a round, rusty-brown or tan abdomen marked with a subtle central cross and distinct yellow spots underneath. As winter approaches, mature females lay a silky egg sac in protected bark or eaves before completing their annual life cycle.
NocturnalWeb BuilderGarden Helper
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Moths
- Flies
- Mosquitoes
Predators
- Birds
- Spider Wasps
- Lizards
ThreatsPesticide use, habitat loss, and accidental destruction of webs
HabitatsWoodlands, gardens, suburban yards, and structures near outdoor lights
Life span1 year
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAraneae
- FamilyAraneidae
- GenusNeoscona
- SpeciesNeoscona crucifera
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; bite is rare and medically harmless.
Responsible observation
- Evening Observation: Look for these spiders around dusk as they construct fresh webs near illuminated outdoor lighting.
- Coexistence: Leave webs intact in garden spaces where they provide natural control of pest insects like mosquitoes.
- Flashlight Etiquette: Use a red or dimmed light while viewing to avoid disturbing their nocturnal hunting behavior.
Look-Alike (c) Dawn Nelson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) M. Whitson, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) lazarus, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by lazarus · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Judy Gallagher · cc-by-sa
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