Cat-faced
Guides
Araneus gemma
Gem-shaped Orbweaver, cat-faced spider, jeweled orbweaver spider
Araneus gemma is a common outdoor orb-weaver spider native to western North America. It is one of several species commonly called the "cat-faced spider" due to abdominal markings resembling feline features. The species is harmless to humans despite possessing venom containing argiotoxin, a neurotoxin that antagonizes glutamate. It constructs typical circular orb webs and is frequently encountered in residential areas during autumn when mature females become conspicuous.