Araneidae

Clerck, 1757

Orbweavers, Orb-weaver spiders

Genus Guides

33

Araneidae is a large of spiders known for constructing spiral wheel-shaped orb webs. Members are characterized by eight similar , hairy or spiny legs, and the absence of stridulating organs. The family exhibits considerable diversity in size, coloration, and web architecture. Many incorporate silk decorations or debris into their webs for camouflage or prey attraction. The family includes well-known such as Araneus, Argiope, and Cyclosa, with distributions spanning global terrestrial from tropical forests to temperate meadows.

Kaira alba by (c) Michelle W. （鍾偉瑋）, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michelle W. （鍾偉瑋）. Used under a CC-BY license.Araneus tuscarora by no rights reserved, uploaded by Lyn Roueche. Used under a CC0 license.Araneus trifolium by (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Araneidae: //əˈreɪni.aɪdiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Araneidae are distinguished from other spider by their construction of spiral orb webs with radiating threads and sticky capture spirals. They possess eight of similar size arranged in two rows, unlike families such as Salticidae with enlarged eyes. The family can be separated from the similar Tetragnathidae (longjawed orb weavers) by web orientation—Araneidae typically build vertical webs while Tetragnathidae construct horizontal or nearly horizontal webs—and by cheliceral proportions, with Tetragnathidae having exceptionally elongated jaws.

Images

Habitat

Araneidae occupy diverse terrestrial including gardens, fields, forests, meadows, and riparian corridors. Specific show habitat preferences: Cyclosa and Allocyclosa occur in open woodlands and garden shrubs; Metepeira inhabit forest edges and arid western habitats; Larinioides is strongly associated with manmade structures near water; Acanthepeira prefers grassy fields and meadows. Some species show specificity—Allocyclosa bifurca builds webs among prickly pear cacti in southern Texas and Florida.

Distribution

Global distribution across all continents except Antarctica. North American records span from southeastern Canada to Florida and west to California and Arizona. European and Asian well documented, with some such as Larinioides sericatus occurring in both the Palearctic and Nearctic regions. In the Russian Far East, documented from Primorskii krai including Askold Island and Livadia Ridge. Neotropical records include Honduras, Panama, and broader Central and South American ranges.

Seasonality

Activity patterns vary by and latitude. Mature of many temperate species appear in spring through autumn. Cyclosa species reach adulthood in spring. Metepeira labyrinthea matures in late summer or early autumn in northern latitudes. Acanthepeira stellata adults occur from May to October in Illinois, with males present May through September. Larinioides sericatus active year-round in mild climates, with specimens observed in December and January. Ballooning by spiderlings occurs in summer.

Diet

Prey consists primarily of flying insects intercepted in orb webs. Documented prey includes nymphs, medium-sized insects, and emerging aquatic insects such as , gnats, and mayflies for riparian . Acanthepeira stellata has been observed preying on an American Green Tree Frog (Hyla cinerea), though this appears exceptional.

Life Cycle

Development includes , spiderling, and stages. Females produce silk egg sacs of varying —some spherical and suspended, others conical and papery, or flattened and attached to substrates. Spiderlings emerge from egg sacs in summer; many overwinter as immatures or individuals. Mature males of some species abandon web-building to wander in search of females. Females may produce multiple egg sacs per season, with some creating up to five.

Behavior

Web-building is -defining, with construction of spiral orb webs. Several exhibit specialized web modifications: Cyclosa and Allocyclosa arrange debris and prey remains in vertical lines through the web center to camouflage their presence; Metepeira constructs tangled networks surrounding a retreat with a small orb web connected by signal thread. Some sit at the web hub, others hide in peripheral retreats. Defensive behaviors include dropping from the web and feigning death. Social behavior occurs in some Metepeira species under high prey availability. Ballooning used by spiderlings.

Ecological Role

Araneidae function as significant of flying insects in terrestrial and riparian . They rank among the most abundant spider in many —third in abundance in some surveyed regions of the Russian Far East. Their webs intercept herbivorous and pollinating insects, influencing local structure. Serve as prey for spider wasps (Pompilidae) and other natural enemies. Kleptoparasitic spiders exploit some colonial . Act as ecological indicators of habitat type in some regions.

Human Relevance

Araneidae are generally harmless to humans, with most too small to deliver significant bites. They provide natural pest control in gardens and agricultural settings. Some species inadvertently enter homes on Christmas trees or evergreen boughs as sacs, with spiderlings hatching in indoor warmth. Webs are considered unsightly by some homeowners, leading to removal requests. Historical cultural associations include legends linking spider webs to tinsel decorations on Christmas trees in German and Ukrainian traditions.

Similar Taxa

  • TetragnathidaeBoth construct orb webs, but Tetragnathidae build horizontal webs and possess extraordinarily elongated and slender bodies; Araneidae build vertical webs with more typical body proportions.
  • TheridiidaeBoth are web-building spiders, but Theridiidae construct irregular cobwebs rather than spiral orb webs, and often have a comb of serrated setae on the hind (the 'cribellum' is absent in Araneidae).

Sources and further reading