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Dolichognatha
Dolichognatha is a genus of long-jawed orb-weaving spiders in the family Tetragnathidae, distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The genus was established by Octavius Pickard-Cambridge in 1869 and has undergone several taxonomic revisions, having been placed in Archaeidae, then Araneidae, before its current placement in Tetragnathidae. It contains 32 recognized species found across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Pacific.
spider orb-weaver tropical long-jawed
Dolichognatha pentagona
Dolichognatha pentagona is a species of long-jawed orb-weaver spider in the family Tetragnathidae, first described by Hentz in 1850. It occurs from the United States through Central America to Venezuela. The genus Dolichognatha is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions. As a tetragnathid, it likely constructs orb webs for prey capture, though specific behavioral details for this species remain poorly documented.
orb-weaver long-jawed-spider Neotropical Nearctic tetragnathid
Edricus
Edricus is a genus of orb-weaving spiders in the family Araneidae, first described by O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1890. As of 2017, the genus contains two described species. Members of this genus are part of the diverse Araneidae family, which includes many familiar orb-web builders. The genus has been documented through 234 iNaturalist observations, indicating some level of detectability in the field, though specific biological details remain limited in available sources.
spider orb-weaver Araneidae
Eriophora edax
Eriophora edax is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. The species occurs from the United States southward through the Neotropics to Brazil. Like other members of the genus Eriophora, it constructs large orb webs for prey capture. The species was originally described as Epeira edax by Blackwall in 1863.
spider orb-weaver Neotropical Nearctic
Eriophora ravilla
Tropical Orbweaver, tropical orb weaver
Eriophora ravilla, commonly known as the tropical orb weaver, is a strictly nocturnal spider in the family Araneidae. Unlike many orb weavers that are active during the day, this species hides in curled leaves during daylight hours and emerges at night to construct large webs up to 1 meter wide, which it consumes by morning. The species is distributed across the circum-Caribbean region from the southern United States through Central America to Brazil.
nocturnal orb-weaver circum-Caribbean mangrove-associated
Eustala
humpbacked orb-weavers
Eustala is a genus of orb-weaver spiders in the family Araneidae, first described by Eugène Simon in 1895. As of November 2024, the genus contains 87 species distributed primarily across the Americas, from the United States through Central America to South America, with highest diversity in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. Several species have been documented exhibiting specialized ecological relationships, including myrmecophily (living among ants) in Central American species that inhabit ant-defended acacia plants. The genus includes the well-known humpbacked orb-weaver, Eustala anastera, found across North and Central America.
Araneidae orb-weaver spider humpbacked myrmecophily ant-plant-mutualism Neotropical Nearctic Eustala-anastera Eustala-oblonga Eustala-illicita web-building predator acacia Pseudomyrmex Panama Brazil Galápagos Simon-1895 arachnology entomology tropical-ecology commensalism ontogeny ballooning overwintering juvenile spider-wasp-prey Caliadurgus-hyalinatus host-parasitoid-interactions third-party-exploitation mutualism-exploitation cryptic-coloration nocturnal-foraging diurnal-hiding-behavior thorn-defense orb-web-architecture sawtoothed-web population-ecology substrate-selection spatial-distribution species-diversity endemic-species taxonomic-revision nomen-dubium genitalic-morphology microscopy-identification temperate-North-America Central-America South-America Caribbean Pacific-islands conservation-biology climate-change-vulnerability phenology-disruption winter-activity spring-emergence forest-understory dry-forest moist-forest riparian grassland scrub edge-habitat woodland parkland urban-adapted generalist-predator specialist-predator ant-alate-predation herbivore-interception ecosystem-service biological-control natural-history field-identification cryptic-species-complex sexual-dimorphism wingless-female-moths ballooning-dispersal silk-production web-ontogeny instar-development overwintering-strategy cold-hardiness metabolic-suppression diapause voltinism univoltine bivoltine multivoltine seasonal-polyphenism color-morph pattern-polymorphism habitat-specificity host-plant-specificity ant-colony-integration alarm-pheromone-avoidance sting-avoidance predator-avoidance bird-predation lizard-predation wasp-predation assassin-bug-predation stink-bug-predation defensive-behavior thanatosis camouflage masquerade mimicry aggressive-mimicry foraging-ecology prey-capture web-maintenance web-repair silk-recycling energetics reproductive-output fecundity egg-sac-construction maternal-care male-searching-behavior mate-location pheromone-communication vibratory-communication visual-signaling territoriality web-site-fidelity web-site-tenacity dispersal-behavior colonization-ability range-expansion invasive-potential non-native-species introduced-species synanthropic agricultural-landscape orchard vineyard forest-plantation conservation-status data-deficient IUCN CITES protected-area national-park soberania chiribiquete galapagos floreana ecuador peru bolivia chile argentina uruguay paraguay venezuela colombia costa-rica nicaragua honduras guatemala belize mexico usa canada cuba hispaniola jamaica puerto-rico trinidad tobago barbados lesser-antilles greater-antilles west-indies caribbean-basin amazon-basin orinoco parana pantanal cerrado caatinga atlantic-forest pampas chaco yungas valdivian magellanic fynbos none research-model educational-resource citizen-science inaturalist gbif catalogue-of-life ncbi wikipedia zootaxa journal-of-natural-history psyche entomology-today bug-eric araneology chelicerate-biology arthropod-ecology tropical-biology 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gene-flow isolation-by-distance isolation-by-environment landscape-genetics seascape-genetics conservation-genetics molecular-ecology population-genetics quantitative-genetics genomics epigenetics reaction-norm norm-of-reaction genotype-environment-interaction heritability selection natural-selection sexual-selection artificial-selection domestication breeding cultivar variety landrace wild-relative crop-wild-relative genetic-resource germplasm seed-bank frozen-zoo cryopreservation assisted-reproduction cloning genetic-engineering synthetic-biology gene-drive biocontrol augmentative inundative conservation classical natural-enemy parasitoid pathogen nematode fungus bacterium virus viroid prion microbiome holobiont metaorganism symbiosis endosymbiosis ectosymbiosis amensalism neutralism symbiogenesis horizontal-gene-transfer virulence pathogenicity infectivity transmissibility reservoir vector host definitive-host intermediate-host paratenic-host accidental-host dead-end-host zoonosis emerging-infectious-disease pandemic epidemic endemic sporadic outbreak cluster index-case contact-tracing quarantine isolation social-distancing masking vaccination herd-immunity reproduction-number basic-reproduction-number effective-reproduction-number doubling-time generation-time serial-interval incubation-period latent-period infectious-period clinical-period pre-symptomatic asymptomatic pauci-symptomatic mild moderate severe critical fatal case-fatality-rate infection-fatality-rate attack-rate secondary-attack-rate excess-mortality years-of-life-lost disability-adjusted-life-year quality-adjusted-life-year burden-of-disease global-burden-of-disease one-health planetary-health ecohealth conservation-medicine veterinary-medicine human-medicine comparative-medicine translational-medicine precision-medicine personalized-medicine genomic-medicine regenerative-medicine stem-cell tissue-engineering organoid organ-on-chip microphysiological-system in-silico in-vitro ex-vivo in-vivo animal-model non-human-primate rodent mouse rat guinea-pig rabbit dog cat livestock poultry aquaculture fishery wild-capture mariculture algaculture seaweed-farming integrated-multi-trophic-aquaculture recirculating-aquaculture-system aquaponics hydroponics aeroponics vertical-farming controlled-environment-agriculture precision-agriculture smart-farming digital-agriculture agriculture-4.0 internet-of-things artificial-intelligence machine-learning deep-learning neural-network computer-vision drone unmanned-aerial-vehicle satellite gps gnss geographic-information-system decision-support-system expert-system knowledge-based-system ontology semantic-web linked-data open-data big-data data-mining data-science data-analytics predictive-analytics prescriptive-analytics descriptive-analytics diagnostic-analytics business-intelligence artificial-intelligence-ethics algorithmic-bias fairness accountability transparency explainability interpretability privacy security safety reliability robustness adaptability flexibility scalability efficiency effectiveness efficacy performance profitability cost-benefit cost-effectiveness economic-analysis financial-analysis investment return-on-investment net-present-value internal-rate-of-return payback-period break-even sensitivity-analysis scenario-analysis monte-carlo-simulation decision-tree real-options game-theory behavioral-economics nudge choice-architecture default framing anchoring availability-heuristic representativeness-heuristic affect-heuristic confirmation-bias availability-bias anchoring-bias framing-bias loss-aversion endowment-effect status-quo-bias sunk-cost-fallacy planning-fallacy optimism-bias pessimism-bias overconfidence underconfidence dunning-kruger-effect imposter-syndrome stereotyping prejudice discrimination implicit-bias explicit-bias structural-bias systemic-bias institutional-bias interpersonal-bias intrapersonal-bias unconscious-bias conscious-bias affinity-bias similarity-bias in-group-bias out-group-bias halo-effect horns-effect contrast-effect recency-effect primacy-effect serial-position-effect mere-exposure-effect familiarity-principle propinquity-effect social-proof authority scarcity reciprocity commitment consistency liking unity influence persuasion compliance conformity obedience empowerment agency autonomy self-determination motivation intrinsic-motivation extrinsic-motivation self-efficacy self-esteem self-concept self-identity social-identity collective-identity cultural-identity national-identity gender-identity sexual-orientation religion spirituality values beliefs attitudes norms customs traditions rituals ceremonies celebrations festivals holidays commemorations memorials monuments heritage legacy history historiography archaeology paleontology anthropology sociology psychology cognitive-science neuroscience linguistics philosophy ethics morality justice equity equality inclusion diversity belonging representation participation engagement capacity-building skill-development knowledge-transfer technology-transfer innovation invention discovery creativity imagination curiosity wonder awe beauty elegance simplicity complexity chaos order pattern structure function form process dynamics mechanism causation correlation association relationship interaction connection network system emergence self-organization autopoiesis homeostasis allostasis stress acclimation acclimatization plasticity fragility vulnerability sensitivity uncertainty ignorance surprise novelty serendipity chance luck fortune destiny fate karma dharma tao zen mindfulness meditation contemplation reflection introspection self-awareness consciousness subconscious unconscious dream sleep circadian biological-clock chronobiology seasonality phenology migration dispersal nomadism sedentism home-range habitat-use resource-selection foraging hunting gathering farming herding hunting-gathering subsistence livelihood economy market trade exchange barter currency 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eukaryome phytobiome rhizobiome endobiome ectobiome exo-biome astrobiome planetary-biome earth-system climate-system ocean-system terrestrial-system freshwater-system atmospheric-system cryospheric-system anthroposphere technosphere noosphere biosphere hydrosphere lithosphere atmosphere magnetosphere heliosphere cosmosphere universe multiverse dimension space time spacetime relativity quantum-mechanics string-theory m-theory loop-quantum-gravity cosmology astronomy astrophysics planetary-science earth-science geology geophysics geochemistry geomorphology soil-science pedology edaphology hydrology limnology oceanography meteorology climatology paleoclimatology stratigraphy sedimentology mineralogy petrology volcanology seismology tectonics plate-tectonics continental-drift orogeny epeirogeny isostasy erosion weathering deposition transport sedimentation lithification diagenesis metamorphism melting crystallization igneous sedimentary metamorphic rock-cycle water-cycle carbon-cycle nitrogen-cycle phosphorus-cycle sulfur-cycle oxygen-cycle hydrogen-cycle biogeochemical-cycle nutrient-cycle trophic-pyramid food-chain ecological-network interaction-web mutualistic-network antagonistic-network competition-network facilitation-network ecosystem-function ecosystem-process provisioning-service regulating-service cultural-service supporting-service habitat-service refuge nursery corridor stepping-stone buffer-zone core-area periphery matrix patch landscape seascape riverscape skyscape soundscape smellscape tastescape touchscape mindscape dreamscape memoryscape heritagescape futurescape possibility-space scenario-space decision-space policy-space governance-space institutional-space social-space cultural-space economic-space political-space legal-space ethical-space moral-space spiritual-space sacred-space profane-space liminal-space transitional-space threshold boundary edge frontier margin center core hinterland heartland homeland motherland fatherland native-land ancestral-land promised-land wilderness pioneer settler colonist immigrant emigrant refugee asylum-seeker displaced-person stateless-person nomad traveler tourist pilgrim explorer adventurer discoverer inventor innovator creator maker builder craftsman artisan artist designer architect engineer scientist scholar academic researcher investigator detective journalist reporter correspondent chronicler historian biographer memoirist autobiographer diarist letter-writer poet novelist playwright screenwriter essayist critic reviewer editor publisher librarian archivist curator conservator restorer preservationist conservationist environmentalist ecologist naturalist botanist zoologist entomologist arachnologist herpetologist ichthyologist ornithologist mammalogist primatologist anthropologist archaeologist paleontologist geologist geographer cartographer surveyor navigator expedition voyage journey travel tour trip visit stay residence habitation dwelling shelter home house building construction architecture design plan blueprint model prototype mock-up draft sketch drawing painting sculpture installation exhibition display presentation demonstration show spectacle event occasion ceremony ritual celebration festival fair bazaar commerce business industry manufacturing production fabrication assembly processing refining purification synthesis analysis separation extraction identification characterization quantification measurement assessment evaluation appraisal valuation estimation calculation computation simulation modeling prediction forecast projection scenario outlook prospect expectation anticipation hope fear worry concern care attention focus concentration awareness perception sensation feeling emotion affect mood temperament personality character disposition attitude opinion belief conviction faith trust confidence reliance dependence independence self-sufficiency self-reliance hardiness toughness strength power force energy vigor vitality life health wellness fitness soundness integrity wholeness completeness perfection excellence quality standard criterion benchmark yardstick measure gauge sign signal symptom mark token symbol image icon emblem logo brand trademark copyright patent intellectual-property proprietary confidential secret classified restricted limited controlled regulated managed governed administered operated maintained sustained supported funded financed resourced staffed equipped furnished supplied provided delivered distributed allocated assigned designated appointed elected selected chosen picked preferred favored liked loved adored cherished treasured valued esteemed respected honored celebrated commemorated remembered recalled recollected reminisced reflected contemplated meditated pondered considered weighed evaluated judged assessed appraised rated ranked graded scored marked pointed noted observed noticed seen viewed looked watched gazed stared glanced peeked peered scanned surveyed examined inspected scrutinized studied investigated researched analyzed synthesized integrated compiled composed written authored penned drafted created produced made built constructed fabricated manufactured assembled put-together set-up established founded instituted organized arranged ordered structured systematized methodized rationalized streamlined optimized improved enhanced upgraded refined polished perfected completed finished concluded ended terminated closed shut sealed locked secured protected guarded defended shielded screened covered hidden concealed masked cloaked veiled shrouded wrapped enveloped surrounded encircled enclosed contained held kept retained preserved conserved saved stored stockpiled hoarded accumulated amassed gathered collected aggregated clustered grouped categorized sorted leveled tiered layered stratified hierarchized pyramided tree web mesh grid array configuration layout scheme program project enterprise venture undertaking endeavor effort attempt try test trial experiment investigation inquiry query question problem issue matter subject topic theme motif leitmotif thread strand line sequence series progression continuation extension expansion enlargement evolution change transformation conversion transition shift alteration modification adjustment accommodation reconciliation harmonization synchronization coordination integration unification combination merger fusion blend mixture compound composite alloy amalgam incorporation assimilation absorption digestion metabolism catabolism anabolism equilibrium balance steadiness constancy permanence endurance persistence continuity duration longevity lifespan lifetime existence being entity object thing item article piece part portion segment section division component element constituent ingredient factor aspect facet feature characteristic property attribute trait indication evidence proof verification validation confirmation corroboration substantiation authentication certification accreditation licensing permitting authorizing empowering enabling allowing letting tolerating accepting receiving taking getting obtaining acquiring gaining earning winning achieving attaining reaching arriving coming approaching nearing closing converging meeting joining connecting linking binding tying fastening attaching affixing appending adding supplementing complementing completing finishing perfecting consummating fulfilling satisfying gratifying pleasing delighting enjoying relishing savoring appreciating valuing prizing treasuring cherishing nurturing cultivating fostering promoting advancing furthering encouraging supporting backing assisting aiding helping serving attending tending caring nursing healing curing treating remedying correcting rectifying repairing fixing mending restoring renewing reviving resuscitating reanimating reawakening rekindling reigniting relaunching restarting rebooting refreshing rejuvenating reinvigorating reenergizing recharging refueling replenishing restocking replacing substituting exchanging swapping trading bartering negotiating bargaining dealing transacting contracting agreeing consenting approving endorsing sanctioning ratifying confirming validating authenticating verifying checking testing examining inspecting reviewing auditing monitoring supervising overseeing managing directing leading guiding steering piloting navigating driving propelling pushing pulling dragging hauling towing carrying bearing transporting conveying transmitting sending dispatching shipping delivering distributing disseminating spreading broadcasting publishing issuing releasing launching introducing presenting showing exhibiting displaying demonstrating illustrating exemplifying typifying representing symbolizing signifying meaning denoting connoting implying suggesting indicating pointing referring alluding hinting intimating insinuating inferring deducing concluding reasoning thinking cogitating cerebrating pondering musing reflecting contemplating meditating concentrating focusing listening hearing heeding noting noticing observing watching looking seeing viewing regarding considering weighing evaluating assessing judging appraising estimating guessing speculating hypothesizing theorizing postulating proposing recommending advising counseling consulting conferring discussing debating arguing disputing contesting challenging opposing resisting defying confronting facing encountering experiencing undergoing suffering enduring withstanding surviving living existing subsisting persisting persevering continuing remaining staying abiding residing inhabiting occupying possessing owning holding keeping retaining maintaining preserving conserving protecting guarding defending securing sheltering harboring entertaining welcoming greeting saluting hailing acclaiming applauding praising commending lauding extolling celebrating honoring glorifying exalting magnifying amplifying enlarging expanding extending stretching diffusing dispersing scattering allocating assigning allotting apportioning dividing partitioning separating detaching disconnecting disjoining disuniting dissociating disengaging withdrawing retreating receding retrograding reversing inverting turning rotating revolving spinning twirling whirling swirling circling orbiting looping coiling winding twisting bending curving arching vaulting bridging spanning crossing traversing passing moving going traveling journeying voyaging sailing flying gliding soaring hovering floating drifting flowing streaming pouring rushing gushing spurting spraying splashing splattering spattering uniting combining merging fusing blending mixing mingling intermingling intermixing integrating incorporating assimilating absorbing digesting metabolizing transforming converting transmuting transfiguring metamorphosing evolving developing growing maturing ripening aging declining deteriorating degenerating decaying rotting decomposing disintegrating crumbling collapsing falling failing dying perishing expiring departing leaving exiting retiring resigning abdicating relinquishing surrendering yielding submitting succumbing capitulating acquiescing complying conforming adapting adjusting accommodating reconciling harmonizing synchronizing coordinating unifying standardizing normalizing regularizing systematizing methodizing rationalizing streamlining simplifying clarifying elucidating explaining interpreting translating rendering paraphrasing summarizing abstracting condensing compressing shrinking reducing decreasing diminishing lessening lowering dropping descending sinking submerging diving plunging plummeting crashing colliding impacting hitting striking knocking tapping patting touching sensing perceiving detecting discovering finding locating positioning placing putting setting laying standing sitting lying resting relaxing reposing sleeping dreaming imagining fantasizing daydreaming woolgathering praying worshiping revering venerating adoring loving nourishing feeding eating drinking consuming ingesting energizing powering fueling motivating inspiring stimulating exciting arousing awakening alerting warning cautioning informing notifying telling reporting announcing declaring stating asserting claiming contending proving revealing disclosing exposing uncovering unmasking unveiling opening unlocking unsealing unfastening untying unbinding unwrapping unpacking unloading emptying clearing cleaning washing bathing showering rinsing soaking steeping immersing drowning suffocating choking strangling throttling squeezing pressing centering aiming targeting zeroing aligning tuning calibrating balancing leveling equalizing stabilizing steady mooring docking landing touching-down alighting perching roosting nesting denning burrowing tunneling digging excavating mining quarrying extracting removing eliminating eradicating exterminating destroying demolishing ruining wrecking damaging harming injuring hurting wounding maiming crippling laming disabling incapacitating paralyzing stunning shocking surprising astonishing amazing astounding staggering stupefying dazing bewildering confusing puzzling perplexing baffling mystifying enigmatic cryptic obscure abstruse recondite esoteric arcane occult mysterious unknown unfamiliar strange odd peculiar curious queer weird bizarre fantastic extraordinary remarkable notable noteworthy significant important momentous consequential weighty grave serious crucial vital essential necessary required needed wanted desired wished hoped expected anticipated awaited looked-for searched-for sought hunted pursued chased tracked trailed followed shadowed stalked crept crawled climbed scaled ascended mounted rose lifted elevated raised hoisted heaved hauled pulled tugged dragged drawn attracted lured enticed tempted seduced charmed enchanted fascinated captivated engrossed absorbed immersed involved engaged occupied busy active energetic dynamic vigorous forceful powerful strong mighty potent effective efficient productive fruitful fertile fecund prolific abundant plentiful ample sufficient adequate enough satisfactory acceptable tolerable bearable endurable sustainable maintainable manageable controllable governable rule govern reign dominate command direct lead guide steer pilot navigate drive propel push thrust shove press squeeze compress condense concentrate aim point target zero align adjust tune calibrate level equalize standardize normalize stabilize fix secure anchor moor dock land touch-down alight perch roost nest den burrow tunnel dig excavate mine quarry extract remove eliminate eradicate exterminate destroy demolish ruin wreck damage harm injure hurt wound maim cripple lame disable incapacitate paralyze stun shock astonish amaze astound stagger stupefy daze bewilder confuse puzzle perplex baffle mystify enigma
Eustala anastera
Humpbacked Orbweaver
Eustala anastera, commonly known as the humpbacked orbweaver, is a small orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. Females reach approximately 10 mm in body length, males 9.5 mm. The species exhibits highly variable coloration, ranging from tan to vivid green, with many individuals displaying a foliate pattern. It is found across North and Central America and has been documented as a host for the spider wasp Caliadurgus hyalinatus. Juveniles have been observed active during winter months in temperate regions.
orb-weaver spider variable-coloration winter-active-juveniles
Eustala californiensis
Eustala californiensis is a species of orb-weaver spider in the family Araneidae. It is known from the United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Eustala, it constructs spiral wheel-shaped webs for prey capture. The species was described by Eugen von Keyserling in 1885.
orb-weaver spider Araneidae North-America Mexico arachnid
Eustala cepina
Riparian Duncecap Orbweaver
Eustala cepina is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, commonly known as the Riparian Duncecap Orbweaver. It is found in North America and is part of a genus that includes species with diverse ecological associations, including some that inhabit ant-defended acacia plants in tropical regions.
spider orb-weaver Araneidae North-America Eustala
Eustala emertoni
Eustala emertoni is an orb-weaver spider in the family Araneidae, first described by Nathan Banks in 1904. The species is distributed across the United States and Mexico. As a member of the genus Eustala, it constructs spiral wheel-shaped webs typical of araneid spiders. Specific details regarding its ecology, behavior, and distinguishing characteristics remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.
orb-weaver araneid Nearctic Neotropical
Eustala rosae
Eustala rosae is a species of orb-weaver spider in the family Araneidae, first described by Chamberlin and Ivie in 1935. It is known from the United States and Mexico. As a member of the genus Eustala, it constructs spiral wheel-shaped webs typical of the family. Information regarding its specific biology, habitat preferences, and ecological relationships remains limited in published literature.
orb-weaver spider Araneidae North-America Mexico
Gasteracantha cancriformis
Spinybacked Orbweaver, Crab-like Orbweaver, Crab-like Spiny Orbweaver, Smiley Face Spider
Gasteracantha cancriformis is a distinctive orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae) known for its crab-shaped abdomen armed with prominent spines. The species exhibits striking color polymorphism, with females displaying white, yellow, orange, or red coloration combined with black markings. Native to the New World tropics and subtropics, it has been introduced to Hawaii. The species has been extensively studied for its genetic basis of color variation and phylogeographic patterns shaped by Andean uplift and gene flow.
orb-weaver color-polymorphism sexual-dimorphism spiny-abdomen phylogeography introduced-species defensive-morphology
Gea
Gea is a genus of orb-weaving spiders in the family Araneidae, established by C. L. Koch in 1843. These spiders are known for constructing spiral wheel-shaped webs typical of the family. The genus is distributed in North America, with records from the United States including Vermont. Gea species exhibit the characteristic features of araneid spiders, including eight eyes, spinnerets for silk production, and specialized leg adaptations for web-building and prey capture.
spider orb-weaver Araneidae North-America
Gea heptagon
Heptagonal Orbweaver
Gea heptagon is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. It is native to the Pacific Islands and Australia, and has been introduced to the United States and Argentina. The species belongs to a genus believed to be related to the larger Argiope, though it lacks the prominent stabilimentum (zigzag silk decoration) characteristic of that genus. Observations suggest it builds vertical orb webs with dense viscid spirals in low vegetation.
spider orb-weaver Araneidae introduced-species Pacific Australia
Hypsosinga funebris
Meadow Dark-eyed Orbweaver
Hypsosinga funebris is a small orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, commonly known as the Meadow Dark-eyed Orbweaver. It is found in the United States and Canada, typically inhabiting meadow and grassland habitats. The species builds small, flat orb webs and is most active during the warmer months.
orb-weaver spider Araneidae North-America meadow
Hypsosinga rubens
Rubens Orbweaver
Hypsosinga rubens is a small orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, commonly known as the Rubens Orbweaver. It is characterized by its bright red coloration and diminutive size, typically measuring only about 8 mm in length. The species is distributed across the United States and Canada, where it constructs orb webs in vegetation. Despite its small size, its vivid coloration makes it one of the more visually striking members of the genus.
Araneae Araneidae orb-weaver small-spider red-spider North-America
Hyptiotes gertschi
Gertsch's Triangleweaver
Hyptiotes gertschi is a cribellate orb-weaving spider in the family Uloboridae, commonly known as Gertsch's Triangleweaver. Like other members of its genus, it constructs a distinctive triangular web—a reduced sector of a typical orb web. The species is one of four Hyptiotes species in North America and is distributed across the United States and Canada, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba.
spider arachnid cribellate orb-weaver triangle-spider Uloboridae North-America Canada USA
Hyptiotes puebla
triangle spider
Hyptiotes puebla is a species of cribellate orb-weaving spider in the family Uloboridae, commonly known as triangle spiders. Like other members of its genus, it constructs a distinctive triangular web that represents a reduced sector of a typical orb web. The species occurs in the United States and Mexico. As a uloborid, it lacks venom glands—a unique characteristic among North American spiders—and relies on specialized silk capture mechanisms to subdue prey.
cribellate orb-weaver non-venomous triangle-web
Kaira
Kaira is a genus of orb-weaving spiders in the family Araneidae, established by O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1889. Members of this genus are known for their distinctive morphology and are part of the diverse tropical and subtropical araneid fauna. The genus is relatively small and understudied compared to larger araneid genera.
spider araneidae orb-weaver arachnida
Kaira alba
pale frilled orbweaver, frilled orbweaver
Kaira alba is an orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, commonly known as the pale frilled orbweaver. The species is distributed across the southern United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Kaira, it constructs orb-shaped webs for prey capture.
Araneidae orb-weaver spider USA Mexico
Kaira altiventer
Kaira altiventer is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. It was described by O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1889. The species has a broad geographic distribution spanning from the United States southward through Central America to Brazil.
orb-weaver spider Araneidae Neotropical Nearctic 1889-description
Kaira hiteae
Kaira hiteae is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, described by Levi in 1977. The genus Kaira is notable for containing relatively small, specialized orb-weavers. Very few observations of this species have been documented, with only three records on iNaturalist.
Araneidae orb-weaver spider North-America rarely-observed
Larinia
Grass Orb-web Spiders
Larinia is a genus of orb-weaving spiders (family Araneidae) comprising 69 species as of 2026. These medium-sized spiders are characterized by their elongated, straw-coloured bodies and association with grassland habitats. They construct loosely woven orb-webs in vegetation, typically at heights matching surrounding plants. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with species documented across multiple continents including Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Australia.
orb-weaver grassland nocturnal cryptic agricultural-pest-control
Larinia borealis
Larinia borealis is an orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Canada (Alberta, British Columbia) and the United States. As an orb-weaver, it constructs characteristic circular webs to capture prey. The species was first described by Nathan Banks in 1894.
spider orb-weaver Araneidae North-America arachnid Araneae Larinia Banks-1894
Larinioides sclopetarius
bridge-spider, gray cross spider, grey cross spider, bridge orbweaver
Larinioides sclopetarius is a relatively large orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae with Holarctic distribution. Native to Europe, it has been introduced to North America and is strongly associated with human-made structures, particularly bridges, where it builds webs near artificial light sources over water. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in body mass and leg proportions, with males maturing faster and earlier than females. It is notable for its high density aggregations in urban environments, where light-attracted insect prey supports populations of up to 100 individuals per square meter in optimal feeding locations.
orb-weaver urban nocturnal bridge-associated introduced-species sexual-dimorphism territorial ballooning-dispersal
Leucauge
Orchard Spiders, Orchard Orbweavers, Long-jawed Orb Weavers
Leucauge is a genus of long-jawed orb-weaving spiders in the family Tetragnathidae, comprising over 170 species with pantropical distribution. The genus was established by Adam White in 1841 based on a specimen collected by Charles Darwin. Leucauge spiders are characterized by their distinctive silver, black, yellow, and green coloration, horizontal or slanted orb webs, and two rows of long, slender curved hairs on the femurs of the fourth leg. The genus underwent significant taxonomic revision in 2010 to resolve historical confusion surrounding the type species.
Tetragnathidae orb-weaver pantropical horizontal-web parasitoid-host silver-markings
Leucauge argyra
Leucauge argyra is a colonial orb-weaving spider in the family Tetragnathidae, found from the United States through Brazil and the Caribbean. It constructs individual orb webs within a shared framework of support lines maintained by the colony. The species exhibits size stratification in colonies, with larger adults occupying higher web positions and smaller juveniles in lower positions. It is notably the host of the parasitoid wasp Hymenoepimecis argyraphaga.
colonial orb-weaver parasitoid-host
Mangora
Tuftlegged Orbweaver, Stabilimentum Orb-weaver
Mangora is a genus of small orb-weaving spiders in the family Araneidae, commonly known as tuftlegged orbweavers. These spiders are distinguished by their compact bodies, often with prominent abdominal projections or tubercles, and their distinctive vertical orb webs that frequently feature white silk decorations called stabilimenta. The genus occurs across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, with species inhabiting diverse habitats from woodlands to grasslands. Mangora spiders are active primarily in late spring and summer, with some species producing multiple generations per year.
spider orb-weaver Araneidae stabilimentum tuftlegged North-America Europe diurnal multivoltine small-orb-weaver web-decoration
Mangora fascialata
Mangora fascialata is a small orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, described by Franganillo in 1936. The species occurs across the Caribbean, Middle America, and southern North America, with records from the USA through Honduras, as well as Cuba, Hispaniola, and Trinidad. Like other Mangora species, it constructs vertical orb webs rather than the horizontal webs of related genera such as Leucauge.
spider orb-weaver Araneidae Mangora Caribbean Middle-America North-America vertical-orb-web
Mangora maculata
Green-legged Orbweaver, Greenlegged Orbweaver
Mangora maculata, commonly known as the green-legged orbweaver, is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. It is found in the United States and parts of Canada. The species is characterized by its distinctive green legs and builds vertical orb webs.
Araneidae orb-weaver North-America
Mastophora hutchinsoni
American bolas spider, Cornfield Bolas Spider
Mastophora hutchinsoni is a bolas spider in the orb-weaver family Araneidae, notable for its highly specialized hunting strategy that abandons the typical orb web in favor of a single adhesive droplet on a silk thread. Adult females use aggressive chemical mimicry to attract male moths by releasing species-specific sex pheromone blends, then capture prey by swinging this 'bolas' at hovering moths. The species exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism, with females developing into large, globular spiders while males remain small and retain juvenile hunting behaviors. It occurs throughout eastern North America and has been extensively studied in Kentucky populations.
bolas-spider chemical-mimicry sexual-dimorphism pheromone-mimicry moth-predator nocturnal specialized-predator orb-weaver
Mastophora timuqua
Bolas spider
Mastophora timuqua is an orb-weaver spider in the family Araneidae, notable for its unique hunting strategy. Adult females are bolas spiders that capture prey using sticky silk droplets suspended on a single line rather than constructing a traditional web. The species is known from the United States, with records indicating presence in North America. Like other members of the genus Mastophora, this species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in hunting behavior.
Araneae Araneidae bolas-spider Mastophora predatory-spider sexual-dimorphism unusual-foraging-strategy United-States North-America orb-weaver sit-and-wait-predator pheromone-mimicry-(congener)
Mecynogea
basilica spiders
Mecynogea is a genus of orb-weaver spiders in the family Araneidae, first described by Eugène Simon in 1903. The genus contains nine species distributed across the Americas, from the United States to Argentina. The name derives from Greek words meaning "to lengthen" and "earth." Members of this genus are commonly known as basilica spiders.
Araneidae orb-weaver basilica-spider Americas Neotropical Nearctic
Mecynogea lemniscata
Basilica Orbweaver
Mecynogea lemniscata, commonly known as the basilica orbweaver, is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. It occurs across a broad geographic range from the United States to Argentina. Females are generalist predators that employ orb-web hunting strategies. Research has documented sixteen distinct behavioral acts during prey capture, with sequences varying according to prey type.
orb-weaver spider Araneidae generalist-predator Neotropical Nearctic
Meta
Cave Orbweavers
Meta is a genus of long-jawed orb-weaver spiders (family Tetragnathidae) distributed worldwide. These spiders are strongly associated with subterranean and dimly lit environments, including caves, abandoned mines, old wells, basements, and densely shaded ravines. Unlike most tetragnathids, Meta species construct vertical orb webs rather than horizontal ones. The genus includes notable species such as Meta ovalis in North America and Meta menardi in Europe and Asia.
spider orb-weaver cave troglophile Tetragnathidae North-America Europe Asia subterranean predator
Metazygia
Metazygia is a genus of orb-weaver spiders (Araneidae) containing approximately ninety species. Members construct orb webs and share morphological similarities with the genus Nuctenea. The genus has been documented to harbor parasitoid wasp associations that can suppress web-building behavior.
orb-weaver spider parasitoid web-building
Metellina
Autumn Spider
Metellina is a genus of orb-weaving spiders in the family Tetragnathidae, distributed primarily across Eurasia with two species in North America. The genus includes sixteen species as of 2025, with M. segmentata being the most abundant orb-weaving spider in Germany and introduced to Canada. Metellina spiders construct webs low in vegetation and are commonly known as Autumn Spiders. Some researchers have proposed placing this genus in a distinct family, Metidae.
orb-weaver web-building sexual-selection male-male-competition sexual-cannibalism-avoidance cave-dwelling introduced-species autumn-activity
Metellina segmentata
Autumn spider, Eurasian Armoured Long-jawed Spider, Meta segmentata
Metellina segmentata is an orb-weaving spider in the family Tetragnathidae, commonly known as the Autumn spider due to its late-season adult activity. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: males possess longer legs and a broader prosoma, while females are markedly heavier with a larger opisthosoma adapted for egg production. Adults mature from August to October, with males competing aggressively for access to female webs through ritualized contests influenced by relative body size, prior residency, and female reproductive value. The species builds characteristic orb webs with a radial frame supporting spiral sticky silk, typically positioned 0.5–2 meters above ground in edge habitats.
spider orb-weaver sexual-dimorphism mate-guarding contest-behavior sexual-cannibalism annual-life-cycle autumn-phenology Tetragnathidae Palaearctic
Metepeira
labyrinth spiders, labyrinth orb-weavers
Metepeira is a genus of small orb-weaving spiders in the family Araneidae, first described by F. O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1903. The genus contains 44 species distributed from Argentina to Canada, with highest diversity in western North America and Mexico. These spiders construct distinctive webs combining a small orb web with a tangled, labyrinthine snare surrounding a thimble-like retreat. Some species exhibit facultative colonial behavior, with individuals interlacing webs over large areas under conditions of high prey availability.
Araneidae orb-weaver kleptoparasite-host colonial-spider labyrinth-web western-hemisphere small-spider
Metepeira arizonica
Arizona Labyrinth Orb-Weaver
Metepeira arizonica is an orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, commonly known as the Arizona Labyrinth Orb-Weaver. It is one of approximately thirteen Metepeira species recognized in North America north of Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it constructs a distinctive web architecture combining a small orb web with a tangled, cobweb-like snare surrounding a tubular retreat. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid habitats of the southwestern United States and Mexico.
spider orb-weaver arid-habitat southwestern-USA Mexico web-architecture labyrinth-spider
Metepeira foxi
Metepeira foxi is an orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, first described by Gertsch and Ivie in 1936. The genus Metepeira is known for constructing distinctive combination webs consisting of a small orb web paired with a tangled, cobweb-like snare and a tubular retreat. Species in this genus are primarily found in North America, with highest diversity in western and southwestern regions. M. foxi occurs in the United States and Canada, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented compared to better-studied congeners such as M. labyrinthea and M. incrassata.
Araneidae orb-weaver Metepeira North-America Canada USA spider Arachnida
Metepeira gosoga
Metepeira gosoga is an orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it constructs a distinctive web consisting of a small orb web connected to a tangled labyrinth of silk surrounding a thimble-shaped retreat. The species is poorly documented in the scientific literature, with most information inferred from better-studied congeners.
Araneidae orb-weaver labyrinth-spider arid-habitat kleptoparasitism southwestern-North-America poorly-known-species
Metepeira grandiosa
Metepeira grandiosa is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. Like other members of the genus Metepeira, it constructs a distinctive web architecture combining a small orb web with a tangled, labyrinthine snare and a debris-decorated retreat. The species is found in North America.
spider orb-weaver labyrinth-spider Araneidae North-America Metepeira web-building kleptoparasitism-host
Metepeira labyrinthea
Labyrinth Orbweaver
Metepeira labyrinthea, commonly known as the labyrinth orbweaver, is a small orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. It is distinguished by its highly characteristic web structure, which combines a small orb web with an irregular, tangled snare and a debris-covered retreat. The species occurs across much of the Americas and exhibits notable ecological interactions, including serving as host to kleptoparasitic dewdrop spiders.
orb-weaver colonial kleptoparasite-host incomplete-orb-web
Metepeira minima
Metepeira minima is a small orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae. The species was described by Gertsch in 1936 and occurs from the United States south to Honduras. Like other members of its genus, it constructs a distinctive web architecture combining a small orb web with a tangled, labyrinthine retreat structure.
Araneidae orb-weaver Metepeira spider North-America Central-America small-spider labyrinth-spider
Metepeira pimungan
San Miguel Island Orbweaver
Metepeira pimungan is a species of orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, described by Piel in 2001. It is endemic to the United States, specifically known from San Miguel Island off the coast of California. As a member of the labyrinth spider genus Metepeira, it likely constructs the characteristic combination of an orb web with a tangled labyrinthine retreat structure. The species is poorly known, with limited published information beyond its original description.
orb-weaver labyrinth-spider Channel-Islands endemic insular
Metepeira spinipes
Metepeira spinipes is a colonial orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, ranging from southern Oregon through Mexico. Unlike typical solitary orb weavers, this species exhibits flexible social behavior, forming colonies that vary from solitary individuals to aggregations of several hundred spiders with interconnected webs. Mature females measure 5.5–7.2 mm in body length, while males are smaller at 3–4.5 mm. The species shows pronounced seasonal colony dynamics, with foundation in spring, peak size in late summer, and decline in fall.
orb-weaver colonial-spider social-spider labyrinth-spider Mexico southwestern-United-States Araneidae
Metepeira ventura
labyrinth spider
Metepeira ventura is an orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, found in the United States and Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it constructs a characteristic web consisting of a small orb web connected to a thimble-like retreat surrounded by a tangled network of lines. A California population has been studied for genetic diversity and its relationship to reproductive fitness.
orb-weaver labyrinth-spider Araneidae western-North-America population-genetics heterozygosity-fitness-correlation
Miagrammopes mexicanus
Miagrammopes mexicanus is a species of cribellate orb-weaving spider in the family Uloboridae. It was described by O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1893. The species is known from the United States and Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it possesses a cribellum—a silk-producing organ that generates extremely fine, dry silk used in prey capture.
spider arachnid orb-weaver cribellate Uloboridae North-America
Micrathena
spiny orbweavers, spiny orb-weavers
Micrathena is a genus of orb-weaver spiders containing over 100 species, predominantly distributed in Neotropical woodlands. Females are characterized by hardened abdomens bearing prominent spines, which have evolved independently at least eight times and function as anti-predator defenses. These spiders construct vertical orb webs and are diurnally active. The genus originated approximately 25 million years ago and has undergone extensive diversification in Andean cloud forests.
orb-weaver spiny-abdomen sexual-dimorphism Neotropical anti-predator-defense stabilimentum