Neoscona arabesca

Arabesque orbweaver

Its intricate abdomen markings are boldest just after each molt and gradually fade with age, and by day it hides inside a curled, silk-tied leaf.

Where	Fields, woods and building eaves
Size	Female 5 to 7 mm, male 5 to 6 mm body length
When	April to October

The arabesque orbweaver has a pattern of slanted, angled dark marks across a triangular abdomen, in colors that range from pale tan and gray to rusty brown or orange. The pattern is boldest right after the spider molts and fades gradually as it ages.

By day the female hides away from her web inside a curled and silk-tied leaf, then moves to the center of her wheel-shaped orb web after dark to wait for moths and flies. It is found in open woods, brushy fields and tall grass, often building webs between fenceposts, eaves and other structures across the United States and southern Canada.

Traits

Habitat

Grassland

Colour

Brown, Orange, Grey

Active

Night

To people

This orbweaver is not aggressive and rarely bites unless handled; any bite is mild and no more serious than a bee sting.

Activity through the year

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Often confused with

Spotted orbweaverOpen entry ›

Neoscona crucifera

Grows larger overall and often shows a pale cross-shaped mark on the abdomen with white spots around the dark underside, rather than the arabesque orbweaver's smaller size and sharply slanted dark marks.