Orb Weavers

Family Araneidae

Orb weaver webs are a common decoration during Halloween. And Charlotte, from the book and animated film Charlotte's Web, was an orb weaver. These large garden spiders are beautiful, beneficial, and usually harmless.

Physical Features

Orb weavers range in size from 1/16" to 1 1/8." They have eight eyes. Orb weavers are generally known for their brilliant coloration, which almost always contains yellow. Various species display a wide array of shapes and patterns. Webs, which the spiders tend to eat and remake once a day, are spiral-shaped.

Diet

Insects and other small arthropods.

Habitat

Worldwide; one of the largest families of spiders. Orb weavers usually suspend their webs between branches, tall grasses, and other natural vertical structures.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Most species of orb weavers live only one year. The egg sac is usually placed on a plant close to the web. Spiderlings hatch and disperse in the spring, though some hatch during winter and stay in the egg sac until spring.