Page 12 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

ORB WEAVER FEMALE

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
1.Antenna- none 6.Cephalothorax ORB WEAVER
2.Eyes- 8 7.Petiole- none
3.Prosoma 8.Abdomen- large rounded shape 4 6
4.Legs- 8 9.Color- brown, reddish, black 8
5.Wings- none 10.Other- makes large symmetrical web
Life Cycle 2
In the early fall, female orb weavers place up to 1,000 eggs in a cocoon
about 3/4ths inch in size, hidden among leaves in a stiff web framework. 3
The eggs hatch over the winter, but the young stay in the cocoon until
warmer spring days when they emerge.
Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
ORB WEAVER SPIDERS Actual size 1” body
There are many kinds of orb (or web) weaver spiders, most have a large abdomen and fairly
long legs. They range in body size up to about an inch, and many have colorful markings.
At least two varieties can inflict bites on humans, notably the Common Orb Weaver and the
Jeweled Araneus.
The many Orb Weavers are the ones responsible for the beautiful spoke-patterned webs you see hang-
ing between trees or shrubs. Most are medium to large-sized, with a body of about a half-inch to an
inch. They are considered beneficial as they eat a wide variety of insects.

GOLDEN SILK ORB WEAVER GOLDEN SILK ORB WEAVER
The Golden Silk Orb Weaver is found throughout Florida. The
female is orange and brown colored, and is among the largest
orb-weaving spiders in the country. The female’s body is 1 to
1 ½ inches long and has hair tufts on the long legs. Males are
only 1/4 inch long, dark-brown, and are often found in the webs
th
of females. They are most commonly found in wooded areas.
These spiders feed mainly on flying insects, which they catch in
their webs. The webs can be greater than three feet in diameter. Photo Courtesy of Chris Evans
They can bite, but it is less severe than a bee sting. www.forestryimages.org

Actual body size 1 1/2”
ARGIOPE SPIDERS ARGIOPE SPIDER

There are many Argiope spiders, known for their large,
conspicuous webs. The largest variety can reach a body
length of one inch, and the yellow-and-black markings
make it easy to identify. Argiope spiders usually are
suspended head down in the middle of their web. They
can often be seen along the edge of woodlands.
Photo Courtesy of Kevin Taylor
www.forestryimages.org
Actual body size 3/4”

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