What an orb-weaver spider looks like in Portland OR and Vancouver WA - Interstate Pest Management

Orb-Weaver Spider

Orb weavers are responsible for building the familiar circular-shaped webs that are often found in gardens, fields, and forests. With their large size and colorful appearance, these spiders are easy to identify – and, they are found everywhere in the world except for the Arctic and Antarctica. Orb weavers are known for spinning elaborate webs in concentric circles, and they use these webs to catch prey. Since these spiders have poor vision, they rely on vibrations in their web to locate and feed on prey.

 

Category:

Description

 

 Size 6 mm to 20 mm
Characteristics Orange, brown, and black; very long legs. 
Legs 8
Habitat Most abundant in summer, building large circular-shaped webs in garden areas, eaves, and shrubs around the home.
 Habits
  • Can build webs as large as six feet wide in diameter.
  • Not known to be aggressive, and can help control insect populations.
  • Also commonly referred to as garden spiders.
Orb Weaver Spiders in the Pacific North West Orb weavers are common outdoor arachnids that are frequently found in gardens, fields, forests, and other outdoor areas. These spiders build large concentric webs, which can measure over six feet in length. Orb weavers rely on these webs to catch their prey, which are usually small insects. With a large size and colorful appearance, orb weavers are very recognizable spiders found all throughout the world.
Orb Weaver Spider Habitat Orb weavers are carnivores that primarily feed on insects and other small organisms that wander into their sticky webs. These spiders are most active during the summer and typically reside in gardens, forests, and other outdoor spaces. Orb weavers are known for building the “classic” spider web, which is circular and intricately shaped. These webs can be as wide as six feet, and they may be placed between large structures such as buildings and shrubs.
Orb Weaver Behavior, Threats, and Dangers Orb weavers are generally harmless arachnids that can even help the environment by controlling insect populations. Though orb weavers are capable of biting, they rarely bite humans and are not toxic. These spiders generally remain outdoors, but they can become an unsightly nuisance to homeowners if they take up residence in the doorways or windows of homes. Since orb weavers are capable of building webs up to six feet in diameter, their webs can also be very bothersome to walk through. If you suspect there is an outbreak of orb weavers on your property, call your local spider exterminators today!

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