Orb-weaver
Guides
Acacesia
Acacesia is a genus of orb-weaver spiders (family Araneidae) containing six species with predominantly neotropical distribution. The genus was established by Eugène Simon in 1895. Most species are known only from museum specimens, with A. hamata being the only species documented in the United States and the only one with substantial natural history information available. Close relatives include the genera Ocrepeira and Cyclosa.
Acacesia hamata
Difoliate Orbweaver
Acacesia hamata, commonly known as the Difoliate Orbweaver, is a small orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. It is the only species of its genus found north of Mexico, with a distribution ranging from the eastern United States south to Argentina. The species is recognized by its distinctive abdominal pattern featuring a dagger-like mark within a wedge-shaped folium. It builds vertical orb webs at night and removes them before dawn, typically in grassy or shrubby habitats near forest edges.
Acanthepeira
Star-bellied Orb-web Spiders, Starbellied Orbweavers
Acanthepeira is a genus of orb-weaver spiders in the family Araneidae, first described by George Marx in 1883. The genus comprises five North American species, most notably Acanthepeira stellata, known for its distinctive star-shaped abdominal tubercles. These spiders are recognized for their unusual spiked abdomens that function as camouflage against predators. The genus ranges from southeastern Canada through the eastern and central United States to southern California.
Acanthepeira cherokee
Cherokee Orbweaver
Acanthepeira cherokee is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, described by Herbert W. Levi in 1976. It belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive abdominal tubercles or spines that provide camouflage. The species is found in the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in published literature.
Aculepeira
Aculepeira is a genus of orb-weaver spiders in the family Araneidae, containing 26 species and two subspecies as of January 2026. The genus was established by Chamberlin and Ivie in 1942. North American species are primarily associated with high elevation and high latitude habitats, ranging from Alaska and the Yukon Territory to northern Mexico. Members of this genus construct typical orb webs and have been documented consuming pollen in addition to insect prey.
Allocyclosa
trashline orb weaver
Allocyclosa is a monotypic genus of orb-weaver spiders in the family Araneidae, containing only Allocyclosa bifurca. Originally described as Cyrtophora bifurca in 1887, it was transferred to its own genus in 1999 based on distinctive morphological features. The genus is notable for being the only Cyclosa-like species north of Mexico with a forked abdominal tip, and for its unusual reproductive biology where males are exceptionally rare.
Allocyclosa bifurca
Bifurcate Trashline Orbweaver, Forked-tail Trashline Orbweaver
Allocyclosa bifurca is a small orb-weaving spider and the sole species in its genus. Adult females measure 5.1–8.5 mm in body length and are silvery or white in color. The species is distinguished by a forked (bifurcate) projection at the rear of the abdomen—two humps shaped like the letter 'M'—giving it the Latin name meaning 'two-forked.' This is the only Cyclosa-like species north of Mexico with this forked tail structure. The spider exhibits remarkable camouflage behavior, arranging debris and egg sacs in a vertical line through its web to masquerade as bird droppings. Unusually, males are rarely observed, and females possess vestigial external genitalia with no external opening, suggesting possible parthenogenic reproduction. The species is also notable as a host for parasitic wasps that chemically manipulate its web-building behavior.
Araneus bicentenarius
Giant Lichen Orbweaver
Araneus bicentenarius, commonly known as the giant lichen orbweaver, is a large orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. It occurs in eastern North America, where it constructs notably large webs. Unlike most Araneus species, adults typically position themselves at the edge of the web rather than hanging upside down in the center.
Araneus bivittatus
Araneus bivittatus is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. It is known from the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in the available literature. The species name 'bivittatus' refers to two stripes or bands, suggesting distinctive abdominal markings.
Araneus bonsallae
Araneus bonsallae is an orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. The species was described by McCook in 1894. It is known from north-central Texas in the United States. As a member of the genus Araneus, it constructs orb-shaped webs to capture prey, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented.
Araneus calusa
Araneus calusa is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, described by Herbert W. Levi in 1973. The species is known from the United States, though specific details about its biology, appearance, and ecology remain poorly documented in the available literature. As with other members of the genus Araneus, it likely constructs circular orb webs to capture flying insect prey.
Araneus cavaticus
Barn Spider, Barn Orbweaver
Araneus cavaticus, commonly known as the barn spider, is a large orb-weaving spider native to North America. Females reach approximately 20 mm in body length and are typically yellow and brown in coloration. The species is strongly associated with human structures, particularly barns and wooden buildings, where they construct their webs in rafters and under eaves. The barn spider gained cultural significance as the basis for the character Charlotte in E. B. White's children's novel Charlotte's Web.
Araneus cingulatus
Red-spotted Orbweaver
Araneus cingulatus is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, commonly known as the Red-spotted Orbweaver. It occurs in the United States and British Columbia, Canada. As an orb-weaver, it constructs spiral wheel-shaped webs to capture prey. The species belongs to the large and diverse genus Araneus, which contains many common North American orb-weaving spiders.
Araneus corticarius
Humped bog orbweaver
Araneus corticarius is a small orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, commonly known as the humped bog orbweaver. The species is distributed across the United States and Canada, with records from Alberta and British Columbia. As a member of the diverse genus Araneus, it constructs spiral orb webs typical of the family, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented.
Araneus detrimentosus
Araneus detrimentosus is an orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, found from the United States through Central America to Colombia. It constructs spiral wheel-shaped webs typical of the family. The species was first described by O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1889.
Araneus diadematus
European garden spider, cross orbweaver, diadem spider, cross spider, crowned orb weaver, pumpkin spider
Araneus diadematus is a medium-sized orb-weaving spider native to Europe, now naturalized across North America. Adult females reach 6.5–20 mm in body length, males 5.5–13 mm. The species is named for the distinctive white cross-shaped pattern on its dorsal abdomen, formed by guanine deposits. It constructs classic spiral orb webs with 25–30 radial threads at approximately 15° angles, often positioned in gardens, porches, and other human-modified habitats. The spider is diurnal, typically hanging head-down at the web hub, and exhibits a defensive vibrating behavior when disturbed.
Araneus gadus
Araneus gadus is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, first described by Herbert Walter Levi in 1973. It is known from the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain limited in published literature. As a member of the genus Araneus, it constructs spiral wheel-shaped webs typical of this diverse group of spiders.
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.
Araneus gemmoides
cat-faced spider, jewel spider
Araneus gemmoides is a common North American orb-weaver spider found in Canada and the United States. Adults are recognized by two prominent horn-shaped projections on the abdomen that create a cat-faced appearance. Females are considerably larger than males and die shortly after producing a single egg sac. The species builds vertical orb-webs near artificial lights and building exteriors, where it captures flying insects at night while hiding in a retreat during the day.
Araneus groenlandicola
Greenland Orbweaver
Araneus groenlandicola is a species of orb-weaver spider in the family Araneidae. It is known from a limited geographic range spanning the northernmost regions of North America, including Greenland, Canada, and the northern United States. The species was described by Embrik Strand in 1906. As with other members of the genus Araneus, it constructs spiral wheel-shaped webs for prey capture.
Araneus guttulatus
Red-backed Orbweaver
Araneus guttulatus is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, found in eastern North America. The species is characterized by distinctive coloration including green legs and cephalothorax with a reddish-brown abdomen bearing white markings. Like other members of the genus Araneus, it constructs circular orb webs to capture prey. The species was described by Walckenaer in 1841 and is one of numerous orb weaver species documented in the region.
Araneus illaudatus
Texas Orbweaver, Texas orb-weaver
Araneus illaudatus is a large orb-weaving spider endemic to the southwestern United States. Females are among the largest North American Araneus, reaching 25 mm in body length with a distinctive dirty white coloration and two triangular dark patches on the anterior abdomen. Males are substantially smaller at 9 mm. The species constructs typical orb webs and exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in size.
Araneus iviei
Araneus iviei is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. It was described by Archer in 1951. The species is known from the United States and Canada, with records from Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. As a member of the genus Araneus, it constructs spiral wheel-shaped webs typical of orb-weaver spiders.
Araneus juniperi
Juniper Orbweaver
Araneus juniperi is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, commonly known as the Juniper Orbweaver. It is native to North America and has been documented in the United States and Canada. As a member of the genus Araneus, it constructs spiral orb webs to capture prey. Specific details about its ecology and behavior remain limited in published sources.
Araneus mammatus
Araneus mammatus is a species of orb-weaver spider in the family Araneidae, described by Archer in 1951. It is known from the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in the available literature. As a member of the large genus Araneus, it constructs spiral wheel-shaped webs typical of the family.
Araneus miniatus
Black-spotted Orbweaver
Araneus miniatus is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, commonly known as the Black-spotted Orbweaver. It is found in the United States and is one of many species in the large genus Araneus, which includes numerous North American orb weavers with diverse abdominal patterns. Like other members of its genus, it constructs circular webs to capture prey.
Araneus nordmanni
Nordmann's Orbweaver Spider
Araneus nordmanni is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. It is widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, occurring in North America, Europe, the Caucasus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Korea, and Japan. As an orb weaver, it constructs spiral wheel-shaped webs to capture prey. The species is one of many in the large genus Araneus, which contains numerous common and widespread orb-weaving spiders.
Araneus partitus
Araneus partitus is a species of orb-weaver spider in the family Araneidae. It is known to occur in the United States, though specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented. The species was described by Walckenaer in 1841. Like other members of the genus Araneus, it constructs spiral orb webs for prey capture.
Araneus pratensis
Openfield Orbweaver
Araneus pratensis, commonly known as the Openfield Orbweaver, is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. It occurs across much of the United States and southern Canada. As a member of the large genus Araneus, it constructs the characteristic circular webs typical of this group. The specific epithet 'pratensis' refers to meadow or grassland habitats, suggesting an association with open field environments.
Araneus trifolium
Shamrock Orbweaver, Shamrock Spider
Araneus trifolium, commonly known as the shamrock orbweaver, is a North American spider in the family Araneidae. The species exhibits notable color polymorphism in abdominal patterning, ranging from beige and brown to yellow, orange, and occasionally greenish tones. It constructs large orb webs to capture flying insect prey and is distinguished from similar species by the presence of white dots on the dorsal abdomen.
Araneus tuscarora
Araneus tuscarora is a small orb-weaver spider in the family Araneidae, described by Herbert W. Levi in 1973. Like other members of the genus, it constructs circular orb webs to capture flying insects. The species is part of a diverse North American radiation of Araneus, many of which exhibit variable abdominal coloration and patterning.
Araniella
Cucumber Spiders, Sixspotted Orbweaver
Araniella is a genus of small orb-weaver spiders in the family Araneidae, first described in 1942. The genus includes approximately 20 recognized species distributed across the Palearctic and Nearctic regions, with notable species including A. cucurbitina (cucumber green spider) and A. displicata (sixspotted orbweaver). Members are characterized by green coloration due to biliverdin pigments, small body size (4–8 mm), and distinctive abdominal spotting patterns. Several species have been described recently, including A. villanii (2020) named after mathematician Cédric Villani.
Araniella displicata
sixspotted orbweaver, six-spotted orbweaver
Araniella displicata, commonly known as the sixspotted orbweaver, is a small orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. It is one of the most widely distributed arachnids in North America, with additional populations across Europe and Asia. Adults are notably small—females reach only 4–8 mm in body length, males 4–6 mm—and are frequently mistaken for juvenile orb weavers due to their diminutive size. The species constructs compact orb webs, often spanning single leaves, and displays considerable color variation including yellow, white, and rust red.
Argiope
Garden Orbweavers, St Andrew's Cross Spiders, Writing Spiders, Garden Spiders
Argiope is a genus of large, colorful orb-weaving spiders in the family Araneidae. The name derives from Greek, meaning 'silver-faced,' referring to the silvery cephalothorax characteristic of many species. Females are notably larger than males and often display striking abdominal color patterns in yellow, black, and silver. These spiders construct spiral orb webs that frequently include a conspicuous zigzag silk structure called a stabilimentum. The genus has a worldwide distribution, with species found across tropical and temperate regions on every continent except Antarctica.
Argiope argentata
Silver Argiope, Silver Garden Spider, Silver Garden Orbweaver
Argiope argentata is a large, striking orb-weaving spider found from the southern United States through Central and South America to Chile and Argentina. Females are notable for their silvery cephalothorax and distinctive X-shaped stabilimentum in their webs, formed by four zigzag silk bands. The species exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism, with females reaching 12–16 mm body length while males are only 4–5 mm. Unlike many temperate Argiope species that mature in late summer, A. argentata adults may be found year-round in warmer regions, with males maturing as early as February. The spider incorporates UV-reflecting silks into both its body coloration and web decorations, which may function to attract pollinating prey by mimicking floral signals.
Argiope aurantia
yellow garden spider, black and yellow garden spider, golden garden spider, writing spider, zigzag spider, zipper spider, black and yellow argiope, corn spider, Steeler spider, McKinley spider
Argiope aurantia is a large orb-weaving spider recognized by its bold yellow and black abdominal markings and distinctive web architecture. Females construct conspicuous circular webs up to 60 cm in diameter, featuring a dense zigzag band of silk called a stabilimentum at the center. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: females reach 19–28 mm in body length with a mass around 752 mg, while males are substantially smaller at 5–9 mm. This spider is common in gardens, meadows, and open habitats across much of North America, where it serves as a significant predator of insects and other small arthropods.
Argiope blanda
Argiope blanda is an orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. The species occurs from the United States south to Costa Rica. Like other members of the genus Argiope, it constructs spiral orb webs, though specific details of its web architecture and biology remain poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners such as A. aurantia and A. trifasciata.
Argiope florida
Florida argiope, Florida garden spider
Argiope florida is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, restricted to the southeastern United States. Like other Argiope species, it constructs spiral orb webs with a conspicuous silk decoration called a stabilimentum. Research on this species has focused on the function of these web decorations and their influence on spider behavior, including fleeing responses and anti-predator strategies.
Argiope trifasciata
banded garden spider, banded orb weaving spider, banded argiope, whitebacked garden spider
A large orb-weaving spider with a nearly cosmopolitan distribution, native to the Americas but now found across six continents. Females construct distinctive spiral orb webs up to 60 cm in diameter, often decorated with zigzag stabilimentum patterns. The species exhibits notable thermoregulatory behavior through strategic web orientation and body positioning. Recent phylogeographic research suggests A. trifasciata may represent a complex of cryptic species rather than a single widespread species.
Azilia
long-jawed orb-weavers
Azilia is a genus of long-jawed orb-weavers in the spider family Tetragnathidae, first described by Eugen von Keyserling in 1881. It is a senior synonym of Cardimia. The genus contains eleven recognized species distributed across the Americas, from the southern United States through Central America to South America, plus the Caribbean islands of Cuba and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Azilia affinis
Azilia affinis is a species of long-jawed orb-weaver spider in the family Tetragnathidae. It was described by O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1893. The species occurs from the southern United States through Central America to Panama. Like other members of Tetragnathidae, it possesses elongated chelicerae (jaws) adapted for capturing prey while building orb-shaped webs.
Cercidia prominens
Carmine Orbweaver
Cercidia prominens is a small orb-weaver spider (family Araneidae) known for its distinctive brick-red to orange coloration. Females measure 3.8–5.4 mm in body length, with males slightly smaller at 3.6–4.1 mm. The species was first described by Niklas Westring in 1851 and underwent several taxonomic revisions before receiving its current name from Tamerlan Thorell in 1869. It occupies a broad geographic range across the Northern Hemisphere.
Colphepeira
A monotypic genus of orb-weaver spiders (Araneidae) established by Allan Frost Archer in 1941. The sole species, Colphepeira catawba, is restricted to the southern United States and Mexico. The genus is rarely encountered, with few observations documented.
Cyclosa
Trashline Orbweavers
Cyclosa is a genus of orb-weaver spiders commonly known as trashline orbweavers, first described by Anton Menge in 1866. These spiders are distinguished by their unique web decorations consisting of linear arrangements of prey remains, debris, and sometimes egg sacs arranged vertically through the web center. The name derives from Greek 'to move in a circle,' referencing their spiral web construction. Most species face downward in their webs, though some face upward. The genus contains approximately 178 species distributed worldwide.
Cyclosa caroli
Cyclosa caroli is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. It is found in the United States and ranges from the Caribbean Sea to Bolivia. As a member of the genus Cyclosa, it is a trashline orb weaver that incorporates debris into its web architecture. The species was described by Hentz in 1850.
Cyclosa conica
Conical Trashline Orbweaver
Cyclosa conica is a small orb-weaving spider known for constructing distinctive vertical webs decorated with debris. Females measure 5.3–7.5 mm in body length, while males are smaller at 3.6–4 mm. The species is recognized by its unique behavior of stringing dead insect bodies and other debris vertically through the center of its web, forming a 'trashline' or stabilimentum. The spider positions itself at the hub of this debris, relying on its cryptic coloration to blend in and avoid detection by predators. When disturbed, it feigns death as a secondary defense.
Cyclosa turbinata
Humped Trashline Orbweaver, Trashline Orbweaver
Cyclosa turbinata is a small orb-weaving spider (Araneidae) known for its distinctive 'trashline' web decoration, where the spider arranges debris, prey carcasses, and egg sacs in a vertical line through the web hub to camouflage itself from visual predators. Females possess two anterior dorsal humps on the abdomen, distinguishing them from the similar C. conica. The species exhibits an exceptionally short-period circadian clock of approximately 19 hours, regulating its locomotor and web-building activities. Native to North and Central America, it has been introduced to Hawaii and other regions, with spiderlings dispersing via wind-borne silk (ballooning).
Cyclosa walckenaeri
Walckenaer's Trashline Orbweaver
Cyclosa walckenaeri is a species of trashline orb-weaver spider in the family Araneidae, found from the United States through the Caribbean to Guyana. Like other members of the genus Cyclosa, it constructs small vertical orb webs decorated with a vertical line of debris through the center, which serves as camouflage. The spider sits at the hub of this "trashline," effectively hiding among the accumulated material. This species is part of a group of spiders known for recycling web debris and prey remains into architectural elements that disguise their presence from visual predators.
Cyrtophora
tent-web spiders, tentweb weavers
Cyrtophora is a genus of tent-web spiders in the family Araneidae. Despite being classified as orb-weavers, these spiders construct horizontal, tent-like non-sticky webs rather than traditional orb webs. Many species exhibit colonial behavior, with multiple individuals sharing extensive web structures. The genus is distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with some species introduced to new areas. Females typically reach about 10 mm in body length.
Cyrtophora citricola
Tropical Tent-web Spider, Tropical Tent-web Orbweaver
Cyrtophora citricola is a colonial orb-weaver spider in the family Araneidae, notable for building horizontal, non-adhesive tent-shaped webs rather than typical vertical orb webs. The species exhibits remarkable social flexibility, living either solitarily or in colonies where individual webs are interconnected. Native to Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe, it has expanded to the Americas since 2000, including Florida and Puerto Rico. Females reach 10 mm in body length while males are markedly smaller at 3 mm. The species shows pronounced sexual dimorphism and has become significant in agricultural contexts both as a pest and as a potential biological control agent.