Tetragnatha laboriosa

Hentz, 1850

Silver Long-jawed Orbweaver

Tetragnatha laboriosa is a long-jawed orb-weaving spider in the Tetragnathidae, commonly known as the silver long-jawed orbweaver. It occurs across North and Central America with records extending from Alaska to southern South America. The passes through nine instars before reaching adulthood. Activity is predominantly , with mating occurring at night.

Tetragnatha laboriosa by (c) Annika Lindqvist, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Annika Lindqvist. Used under a CC-BY license.

Tetragnatha laboriosa by (c) Matthew Lindsey, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matthew Lindsey. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tetragnatha laboriosa: //ˌtɛtrəɡˈneɪθə ˌlæbəriˈoʊsə//

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Identification

Distinguished from other orb-weaving by horizontal web orientation and elongated body form. Separation from requires examination of genitalia, spacing, and the ratio of jaw length to length. T. laboriosa is one of fifteen Tetragnatha in North America; precise identification to species level is challenging without microscopic examination.

Images

Appearance

Body and legs elongated and slender, typical of the Tetragnatha. and fangs are conspicuously elongated. Coloration includes silvery tones, contributing to the . Narrow body profile and habit of holding legs close together create a stick-like silhouette when at rest. Body length varies by instar and sex, with mature individuals likely measuring within the 5–16 mm range typical for the genus.

Habitat

Occurs in varied environments including meadows, fields, and riparian corridors. Often found near water, where larger individuals may construct webs over aquatic . Webs are built under eaves of structures and near outdoor lights that attract prey.

Distribution

North America and Central America. GBIF records indicate presence from Alaska through Chile, Argentina, and the Falkland Islands, though southern records may represent separate introductions or taxonomic uncertainties.

Seasonality

Active during summer months; present during typical growing season. mating habits observed.

Diet

Preys on flying insects including , gnats, mayflies, and mosquitoes. Aquatic insect emerging from water are intercepted by horizontal webs positioned over water surfaces.

Life Cycle

Nine instars observed, including the stage. sacs are produced by females; placement varies—some adhered to twigs or substrate, others suspended on web periphery.

Behavior

Predominantly activity pattern. Constructs horizontal or near-horizontal orb webs. When disturbed, abandons web and clings to grass stems or substrate, using slender body and leg posture to mimic broken vegetation. Tolerant of conspecifics; individual webs may be built in close proximity. Mating occurs at night with both sexes grasping each other's jaws; males may possess cheliceral spurs to receive female fangs.

Tetragnatha viridisEasily distinguished by emerald green coloration; T. laboriosa lacks this distinctive hue.
Tetragnatha guatemalensisExhibits communal web-building on a massive ; T. laboriosa builds individual webs.
Araneidae (typical orb weavers)Construct vertically oriented webs and have more compact body forms; Tetragnathidae webs are horizontal and bodies are elongated.

More Details

Taxonomic note

First described by Hentz in 1850. -level identification within Tetragnatha is difficult and relies heavily on genitalic characters.