Orb Weaver Spiders
Orb weavers are the quintessential web-building spiders, constructing the large, circular, wheel-shaped webs commonly associated with spiders. Many species have colorful, conspicuous bodies and build webs in gardens, around exterior lighting, across walkways, and between structures. The garden spider, barn spider, and golden silk orb weaver are among the most commonly encountered species. Some species can be quite large, with leg spans exceeding three inches, but all are harmless to humans. They are prolific insect predators and play an important role in natural pest control.
Species in This Group (3)
Garden Orb Weaver
Argiope aurantia
The Garden Orb Weaver is a large, strikingly colored spider that builds impressive circular webs in gardens, meadows, and around home exteriors.
Marbled Orb Weaver
Araneus marmoreus
The Marbled Orb Weaver is a large garden spider with a beautifully patterned orange or yellow abdomen.
Banana Spider
Trichonephila clavipes
The Banana Spider, more accurately called the Golden Silk Orb-Weaver, is one of the largest and most conspicuous spiders in the southeastern United States.
Key Behaviors
Orb weavers build large, intricate circular webs that are rebuilt daily or every few days. Webs are typically positioned to intercept flying insects near lights, between structures, and across garden pathways. Most species rest at the center of the web or hide in a retreat at the web edge with a signal line. They are generally active from late summer through fall when populations peak and mature females are building webs for egg sac production.
Risks & Concerns
Orb weavers are not medically significant and are beneficial insect predators. Their primary impact is the nuisance of large webs across walkways, porches, and doorways. Face-first encounters with webs are startling but harmless. Their large size and conspicuous webs generate many identification and removal requests from homeowners.
Quick Comparison
| Species | Size | Color | Key Trait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden Orb Weaver | 14-28 mm (female body) | Black and bright yellow markings on the abdomen; silvery cephalothorax | Large, striking black and yellow coloring; builds large circular webs with a distinctive zigzag stabilimentum (zipper pattern). |
| Marbled Orb Weaver | 9-18 mm (female body) | Orange to yellow abdomen with dark marbled patterns; legs banded | Large, round, orange-marbled abdomen; builds classic circular orb webs in shrubs and trees. |
| Banana Spider | 24-40 mm (females, body length); males 5-8 mm | Females have yellow-green bodies with distinctive white tufts on long, banded legs; males are small and inconspicuous dark brown | Extremely large females with conspicuous yellow-gold silk webs that can span several feet; dramatic size difference between large females and tiny males. |
Need Help With Orb weaver spiders?
If you're seeing signs of orb weaver spiders in or around your home, professional treatment is the fastest way to stop the problem. Lotus Pest Control offers free inspections to identify the issue and recommend the right solution.