A widespread species, the spotted orbweaver commonly builds its webs in woods and on the eaves of barns, houses, and similar structures. It is the most common member of Missouri's orbweavers in genus Neoscona, spiny-legged spiders that all tend to have camouflage patterns and make characteristic, delicate, wheel-shaped webs to catch prey.
As with most other spiders, it is the female that builds webs. Males are smaller and are rarely seen, unless they are visiting females. The female dismantles her web at dawn each morning by eating it. She hides in cracks and corners by day, and she spins a new large, round web at dusk.
Similar species: Missouri has four species in genus Neoscona, including the Arabesque orbweaver. In general, spiders in this group are difficult to distinguish, even by specialists. Neoscona species typically have a slightly triangular-ovate abdomen with a pattern resembling an upside-down spruce tree. On each side of this midline may be black, brown, and greenish-brown markings. The legs usually are gray with brown rings. The carapace may be gray with brown markings.
Spiders in genus Araneus are similar, as well; common Missouri representatives include the marbled orbweaver and openfield orbweaver.
Spiders in genus Larinioides, called furrow orbweavers, are also camouflage-patterned orbweavers common near homes.
Length: usually about ½ inch (not including the legs); males are smaller than females.
Statewide.
Habitat and Conservation
These large orbweavers need tall objects such as trees, shrubs, and buildings to string their large, wheel-shaped webs between. People often notice them when they build their webs near homes and barns (hence the name barn spider). They come out in the evening and hunt at night. In the morning, these spiders seek shelter in corners and crevices.
These spiders often build webs near dusk-to-dawn lights, where they capture and eat the many flying insects attracted to the light.
Many people call this a "barn spider," but many types of spiders build their webs on barns.
Food
Flying insects such as moths and crane flies are the principal prey. Once caught in sticky strands of the web, they are bitten and trussed by the spider, which later eats them. Many orbweavers are nocturnal and have the peculiar habit of eating and rebuilding their webs each day. Webs are built at dusk and used for snaring prey during the night. At dawn, the spider reingests the strands (along with moisture that has collected on it as dew) and recycles the nutrients in making the next web.
Status
This species is sometimes called Hentz's orbweaver or Hentz orbweaver, because for a long time it was classified as Neoscona hentzii.
Life Cycle
Like most other spiders in Missouri, these small animals emerge from egg sacs early in the growing season and spend the summer growing. Those that survive long enough will have reached their maximum size by late summer and early fall. Females eat insects and create egg cases. As insect prey decreases in late summer, these spiders have less to eat. Cold weather makes them increasingly sluggish. The adults die when it freezes. The young overwinter in egg cases.
Human Connections
Most people are not keen on having spiders around their homes, or of walking right into them on hiking trails. But remember that spiders do us a wonderful service of free, nontoxic pest control, all summer long and into the fall.
The amazing web patterns of spiders have fascinated humans for millennia. In Greek mythology, a skilled weaver named Arachne challenged the goddess Athena to a weaving contest that ended with the human being changed into a spider for her pride.
Orbweavers don't bite unless molested, and their bites are not dangerous, anyway.
These are some of the spiders that commonly build their webs right across trails. An oldtime Ozark folk belief held that if you encounter a big orbweaver right in the middle of your path, you'll be getting a letter within a few days.
Ecosystem Connections
These spiders control populations of flying insects.
Although they may seem ferocious, outside their webs and hiding places these delicate creatures are quite vulnerable to predation themselves. Also, their egg sacs are relished by many species and provide winter food for many birds.
