Orb Weaver Arizona: Unveiling The #1 Orb Weaver That Rules This State

There are different species of orb weaver spiders in the world, but we will be discussing the orb weaver in Arizona as well as identifying the characteristic features that define it.

Let us now proceed with the identification of this spider as well as its real name!

 

What Do Orb Weaver Spiders Look Like?

Orb weaver spiders can be identified by the following distinctive features:

• They measure about 0.25 to 1.375 inches in length
  • Males are quite smaller than females and measure about 0.25 to 0.325 inches.
  • Females are larger than the males and measure about 0.75 to 1.375 inches.
• Depending on the species of orb weaver spider, their colors vary.
• Their abdomens bear the shape of an egg (oval-shaped).
• They have 3 claws on each foot.

 

Read also: Orb Weaver Spiders In Iowa: Identification And Behavior Of This Specie

 

What Does the Orb Weaver Arizona Look Like?

The orb weaver Arizona is known as Neoscona crucifera and belongs to the family Araneidae.

Besides Arizona, you can also find this orb weaver spider in the following places:

• Minnesota
• Florida
• Mexico
• Maine, etc.

The orb weaver Arizona also has some common names that are being used to refer to them. These names include:

• Barn spider (also used to refer to another spider species)
• Hentz orbweaver
• Spotted orbweaver

Below are common characteristic features that can be used to identify this orb weaver Arizona:

• Abdomen
  • Upper side: Hairy and brown in color.
  • Underside: Black with 2 white spots.
• The females are larger than the males and often measure about 0.37 to 0.75 inches in length.
• Although their colors vary, they can be seen in the following color forms:
  • Golden orange
  • Rusty red

The orb weaver in Arizona is often known to construct large webs and is a nocturnal arachnid. You may notice a different behavior from the females during the fall, though, as they tend to exhibit diurnal behaviors during this season.

 

What is the Behaviour of the Garden Orb Weaver Arizona?

There is one interesting behavior that the garden orb weaver Arizona exhibits. As I mentioned previously, they are nocturnal spiders but can be diurnal in specific seasons.

Now, these spiders spin webs at night and feed on the prey that has been caught in them during the day. The crazy part is that they spin new webs every day! Yes, every day and in the same spot.

These spiders do not hunt for prey but rather spin webs for the small, unsuspecting insects to fly into.

They prefer warm and humid environments and are rarely seen inside the house. As a matter of fact, sighting them could mean that they were transported inside by mistake.

 

Read also: Funnel Web Spiders in Arizona: 4 Fascinating Facts About The Specie

 

What is the Lifecycle of the Orb Weaver Arizona?

The lifespan of the orb weaver spider is one year. Below is their lifecycle:

• The males venture to seek females to mate with during the fall.
• After mating, the female then reproduces about 200 to 1400 eggs.
• The eggs are wrapped in an egg sac and attached near the center of her web.
• After mating, the male and female usually die, but on rare occasions, the female may live on for a couple of years, depending on the surrounding climate conditions.
• The eggs hatch and overwinter until spring, when they become active.
• The eggs mature, and the cycle begins again.

 

Is the Arizona Orb Weaver Spider Dangerous?

Although the orb weaver spider has venom that it uses on its prey (small insects), it is not dangerous to humans, and below are the reasons why:

• They rarely venture into the house, and hence, there is a rare possibility of contacting humans.
• They are more beneficial than harmful. This Arizona spider preys on small, disease-carrying insects.

If you happen, by any chance, to come across this spider and it bites you, below are some possible symptoms that you may encounter:

• Nausea
• Fever
• Abdominal pain, etc.

 

How To Prevent Orb Weaver Spiders in Arizona

• Reduce Lighting:

Reducing the lighting in your home, especially at night, will reduce the population of insects that serve as prey to the orb weaver Arizona.

• Frequently Prune Vegetation:

Doing this frequently will eliminate possible hiding spots for these spiders.

• Regular Pest Control:

Employing pest control services to frequently keep your home free from pest activity will reduce the possibility of this spider infesting your home.

 

Read also: Red Spiders In Washington State: Real Name & Easy Identification Revealed

 

FAQs About the Orb Weaver Arizona

Do Arizona Orb Weaver Spiders Bite?

Yes, the Arizona orb weaver spiders bite only when they feel threatened and are unable to escape. These spiders are very shy creatures and will try their best to avoid contact with humans.

When they bite, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Numbness
• Fever
• Nausea
• Swelling, etc

 

Does Arizona Have Orb Weaver Spiders?

Yes, Arizona has orb weaver spiders. These spiders are popularly known for their distinctive wheel-shaped webs.

 

Conclusion

Despite the fact that all spiders are venomous, the orb weaver Arizona is more of a beneficial arachnid than a pest. Their diet consists of small insects that are serious pests to humans.

Being a beneficial spider still does not qualify them to inhabit your home. Allowing them to thrive can lead to an increase in their population. And don’t forget that they can bite.

Would you love to have an Arizona orb weaver in your home? Let us know your preference via the comments section provided below!

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