Furrow orbweaver
This spider often rebuilds its web overnight, yet still stays sitting in plain sight at its center through the following day.
| Where | Near ponds, lakes and buildings |
|---|---|
| Size | Female 6 to 14 mm, male 5 to 9 mm body length |
| When | March to November |
The furrow orbweaver has a shiny, rounded abdomen marked with a dark, jagged edged band that runs down its length like a plowed furrow, and short, thick, banded legs. Females are noticeably larger than males.
It builds a wide meshed orb web near ponds and lakes, and just as readily under bridges, eaves and porch lights, where it feeds on mosquitoes, gnats and other small flying insects. It is common across the United States and Canada and poses no risk to people.
Traits
Habitat
Wetland
Colour
Brown, Grey
Active
Day and night
To people
Not dangerous to people and beneficial around homes, since it feeds on mosquitoes and other biting insects.
Activity through the year
Often confused with
Grayer and darker overall, with a white edged carapace and comparatively longer legs; the furrow orbweaver is shinier, with shorter legs and a smoother zigzag pattern on the abdomen.
Questions
Is the Furrow orbweaver dangerous to people?
Not dangerous to people and beneficial around homes, since it feeds on mosquitoes and other biting insects.
When can you see the Furrow orbweaver?
The Furrow orbweaver can be seen from March to November, by day and at night.
Plate retouched from a photo by Joshua Ebright, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist Licence
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Spiders›Orb-weaver spiders›Larinioides
Last updated 2026-09-27. Every entry is checked against published sources.