Orb Weaver Spider
Category Spiders
Actual Size: Female ranges from ¾ to 1.1 inches; males are much smaller.
Characteristics: Females: black and yellow body; long legs banded in yellow and black. Males: tiny, brown in color with less yellow coloration than the female.
Habitat: Found everywhere in the continental US, as well as Canada and Mexico.
Other notes:
- “Orb weaver spider” actually refers to a wide range of different types of spider; in this article, we are discussing one of the most common types, the yellow garden spider.
- A distinctive zig-zag shape is built into the center of their webs.
- Also known as the golden garden spider, the zipper spider, the writing spider, and many other names.
Orb Weavers Spiders in Florida
“Orb weavers” refers to a large group of spiders encompassing more than 3,000 species – but the yellow garden spider is one of the most common you’ll find in Florida. Its distinctive appearance and web construction make it one of the first people think of when they hear “orb weaver spider.”
They build a web with a trademark zig-zag shape down the center. These webs can be up to 2 feet in diameter.
Orb Weaver Spider Habitat
Garden spiders are found just about everywhere you look in the USA. If you have a garden, you’ve almost certainly seen one at some point – however, they are afraid of people and will scuttle away if you get too close. They rely on vibrations on their web to know when they have successfully caught their prey – which largely consists of insects and, occasionally, other spiders. They can capture prey that is over twice as large as they are!
Orb Weaver Spider Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
The biggest danger of these spiders is that you might accidentally wander into their webs while out for a walk. Yellow garden spiders can bite, but it’s unlikely; they will only bite when cornered. For instance, a spider that has crawled into a gardening glove or shoe may bite when you try to put it on – but only because the spider has no means of escape. The bite will not harm a person unless they are allergic to spider bites; everyone else may experience itching, or may not notice any symptoms at all.
Yellow garden spiders are very beneficial since they help control the population of pests like mosquitos, wasps, and flies. However, if you’re dealing with a few too many spiders on your property, don’t hesitate to contact Arrow Environmental Services for help.