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ORB
WEAVERS/GARDEN SPIDERS |
Orb weavers (Araneidae) are
often brightly coloured with
rounded abdomens, some with
peculiarly angled humps or
spines. However, there is
considerable variation in size,
colour and shape in this group.
They are often recognized for
building beautiful, large, round
webs, on which they rest, head
downward, waiting for prey.
The webs consist of a number
of radiating threads crossed by
two spirals. The inner spiral
begins in the centre, winds
outward, and is made of smooth
threads like the radiating
threads. It covers only the
central 1/3 of the web. The outer spiral begins at the edges
and winds inward. It is made of more elastic, sticky threads, coated with a liquid substance.
One of the largest and most commonly encountered members of this group is Argiope aurantia, the yellow garden spider
and we have photos of them on their own page.
Please select a section below.
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GARDEN ORB WEAVERS
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Araneus sp. |
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28 December, 2006:
My name is Nathan and I live in Overland Park, Kansas, which
is about 30 miles outside of Kansas City, MO.
I nearly ran into this spider coming out of my house back in
September of 2006. I have never seen a spider like this
before. It was building a nice web right in front of my door
when I found it. If anybody can id it, that would be great,
my roommates have 2 kids and would like to know if this
spider is dangerous. The spider has very strange spikes on
its legs. Sorry I only have 2 pictures, it was alittle tough
trying to take a picture from this angle and it was at about
10pm.
Thanks for the help and hope to get some feedback soon.
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Reply: Yes it is an araneus species.
4 December, 2006:
Hi could You please tell
me what species of spider this is, Thank you,
Ryan Steele
Click
for a larger view.
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Reply: This is Araneus Diadematus, a
garden orb weaver. 31
October, 2006:
So ... I just found this spider in my backyard today (in
WA state). Is it
what you call on your site an orb weaver? Either way, I
thought it was
pretty cool to find this 2 days prior to Halloween.
Thanks,
Stacie
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22
October, 2006:
hi, this spider made a web on our back porch in georgia.
because of the background, it was difficult to get a good
shot, but it is reddish brown, with these two white spots on
a triangularish black shape on its underside. it was
repairing its web after eating a ladybug.
thanks, alyssa
Click for a larger view.
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22
October, 2006:
Good morning! I was wondering if you could help me in
identifying a spider from Madison WI. This spider hangs
out on my sister's balcony that faces NE. (If that
helps.) She and I have been searching online for awhile
now, but we haven't been able to find any pics that look
remotely similar. If you could help us, or direct me to
someone who can, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
~Steph
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11
October, 2006:
found this big guy in my shed last
week...........mike r. michigan...
I feed him a few bugs to keep him fat!!!!
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11
October, 2006:
Hi ! I took a photo of this spider outside my front
door , in
Southern Ontario, Canada. I wondered if anyone could
tell me what
kind it might be. I've never noticed one this large,
around here
before. Its' rear-end was about the size of a marble. My
wife has a
spider phobia and something this size is the stuff of
nightmares for
her. I'll have to see it doesn't carry her off. Ha! ha!
PS:
Cool site, nice photos too.
Take care !
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11
October, 2006:
Dear Sir, I have found 2 spiders on each side of my porch
light. I have tried to identify them but I am stumped. I
believe them to be an orbweaver, but after viewing your site
I have found them to resemble many others. My family has
grown fond of these two spiders. We catch grass hoppers,
crickets, and other insects to feed them. I live in North
eastern Ohio, and garden spiders are common in this area,
but I don't believe that is what they are. I tried to get
some shots of the eyes, knowing this helps to identify them,
but they are sometimes shy and move very quick. I hope you
are able to at least help us put a name to are house guests.
I would greatly appreciate it. Many thanks, Christina
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11
October, 2006:
Hi , Just another guy who took a photo of a spider and
wondered what it is. So far it looks like a type of Argiope
But not exactly like any of the photos I have seen so far.
Takin in Northwest Indiana USA You may post with my e-mail
address. I would love to here back from anyone that knows what
this thing is , Thank You, Phil.
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8 October, 2006:
Wow! What an amazing website!!! We live in Northern New
York and seem to have a recent abundance of these spiders.
Thanks to your website I was able to gain some education and
calm my nerves as well. Thanks to all who have submitted the
great photos, they were extremely helpful in my quest to
identify this spider. I didn't realize what cool markings it
had until seeing the picture of it on a white background.
And on a special note... My family sends our deepest
sympathies for the loss of Australia's GREATEST Wildlife
Warrior. We have learned so much and gained a true respect
for wildlife through Steve's example. "Crikey, we're gonna
miss ya mate!" Our sincerest regards, Angela &
family,Dexter, New York
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8 October, 2006:
And a couple more for you,
Eddie
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8 October, 2006:
Have a spider here I would like someone to help me identify if
you could please. Live in the San Fernando Valley area of Los
Angeles. The body of the spider is about 1/2" long.
Thanks for any help you can give!
Gwen
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Reply: It is a garden orb weaver and
not dangerous.
8 October, 2006: |
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Reply: It is a garden orb weaver and
not dangerous.
8 October, 2006: |
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Click for a larger view. |
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Reply: It is a garden orb weaver.
4 October, 2006: |
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Reply: It is a garden orb weaver.
Click for a larger view.
4 October, 2006:
This spider had a web in my back yard from the top of
my baby fig tree, to the ground.
I thought it was an orb weaver, but then I got closer
and saw it was all brownish red. He sensed me and ran up
to hide. Attached are two photos. Do you know what kind
it is? I live in Texas . Thanks, Laura
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Reply: No it is a garden orb weaver.
Click for a larger view.
4 October, 2006:
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