Neoscona domiciliorum

(Hentz, 1847)

Red-femured Spotted Orbweaver, Spotted Orbweaver, Redfemured Spotted Orbweaver

Neoscona domiciliorum is a -sized orbweaver to the eastern and southeastern United States. The name 'domiciliorum' (Latin for 'of dwellings') reflects its frequent occurrence on buildings, though it also inhabits moist woodlands. Females construct large vertical webs up to 50 cm in diameter, typically building at dusk and dismantling before dawn. The spider is recognized by distinctive coloration including red on the legs and a pale cruciform pattern on the .

Neoscona domiciliorum by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Neoscona domiciliorum by (c) Adrienne van den Beemt, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Adrienne van den Beemt. Used under a CC-BY license.

Spotted Orbweaver - Flickr - treegrow (2) by Katja Schulz from Washington, D. C., USA. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Neoscona domiciliorum: /niːˈɒskəʊnə ˌdɒmɪˈsɪliˌɔːrəm/

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

Identification

Distinguished from by the combination of red and the specific abdominal pattern (pale cruciform marking with black stripes). The longitudinal groove on the separates Neoscona from Araneus . pattern of four spots on dark background with red abdominal tip is consistent and useful for identification. Females are larger and more than males, which have reduced, linear .

Images

Appearance

display a bright or marking on the , flanked by broad black stripes and a thin transverse white anteriorly, forming a pale cruciform shape. The first leg () is red, with remaining segments banded in black and pale gray. The abdomen is dark with four white spots and a red tip. Females measure 7–16 mm in body length with sparse short gray hairs; males are smaller (~8 mm) with a relatively small, linear abdomen. A longitudinal groove on the is characteristic of the Neoscona.

Habitat

Primarily found in moist hardwood woodlands, especially in autumn. Frequently occurs on buildings, particularly under eaves, where it may be overlooked due to habits. Webs are placed vertically in trees, shrubs, or on artificial structures. Retreats constructed of leaves or debris bound with are positioned near frame for daytime use.

Distribution

to the United States, occurring southeast of a connecting Texas, Indiana, and Massachusetts. Core range includes the southeastern and mid-Atlantic states.

Seasonality

are most conspicuous in autumn; females remain active in moist Florida woodlands throughout the fall season. likely overwinter, with adult activity diminishing after first hard frosts.

Diet

Feeds on flying intercepted in webs, including , , and other insects attracted to lights.

Life Cycle

Females construct sacs late in the season, depositing up to 1,000 eggs in a spherical mass covered with fluffy , typically concealed in a rolled leaf. Spiderlings emerge in spring. One per year in temperate regions.

Behavior

; females build webs at dusk and typically dismantle them before daybreak, though webs may be left intact later in the season when nutritional demands for production are higher. At night, the occupies the hub of the web and responds to vibrations. During the day, it retreats to a silken-bound shelter of leaves or debris. Males cease web-building upon sexual maturity and actively wander in search of females.

Ecological Role

of flying ; contributes to natural pest control in woodland and suburban . Webs are frequently replaced, with recycled by consumption.

Human Relevance

for controlling pests around homes and buildings. Bites are not known to cause serious harm to humans. Often unnoticed due to habits and retreat during daylight hours.

Similar Taxa

Neoscona cruciferaOverlaps in eastern range and shares 'spotted orbweaver' ; distinguished by more variable pattern without consistent red and different abdominal markings
Araneus cavaticusShares 'barn ' and similar size; separated by closed web hub (vs. open in Neoscona) and lack of longitudinal groove

More Details

Web Architecture

Unlike Araneus , the web hub remains open with only one or two crossing threads. Frame may extend to the ground or surrounding vegetation, with webs reaching 50 cm in diameter.

Etymology

The specific epithet domiciliorum directly references the ' association with human dwellings, a notable behavioral trait among orbweavers.