Web-building-plasticity
Guides
Neoscona
Spotted Orb-weavers, Barn Spiders
Neoscona is a genus of orb-weaver spiders (Araneidae) containing over 100 described species, commonly known as spotted orb-weavers and barn spiders. The genus was erected by Eugène Simon in 1895 to separate species from the obsolete genus Epeira. Neoscona species are among the most common orb-weavers in North America and are found throughout most parts of the world. They construct vertical orb webs with approximately twenty radii and an open hub, typically hunting at night and retreating to the web periphery or a curled leaf during the day.
Zygiella x-notata
missing sector orb weaver, silver-sided sector spider, Winter Spider, Opensector Orbweaver
Zygiella x-notata is an orb-weaving spider distinguished by its characteristic web with a missing sector in the upper half, connected by a signal thread to a peripheral retreat. Adult females measure 5–11 mm, males up to 7 mm. The species exhibits strong synanthropic behavior, commonly found on human structures such as window frames, walls, and fences. It has an annual life cycle with reproduction in summer and egg sac production in autumn. Native to Europe, it has been introduced to North America, New Zealand, and other regions worldwide.