Arrow-Shaped Micrathena
Micrathena sagittata
The Arrow-Shaped Micrathena is a small, brightly patterned orb-weaver with a triangular spiny abdomen found in shaded Florida vegetation.
Female Arrow-Shaped Micrathenas build small circular webs across openings in woodland understory, garden edges, and shaded trails. Their dramatic shape makes them look dangerous, but they pose little risk.
The web catches gnats, mosquitoes, and other tiny flying insects. Females often rebuild or repair it each day.
Habitat:
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Residential Areas, Freshwater Wetlands
Area / Range:
North Florida, Central Florida, South Florida
Diet:
They eat small flies, mosquitoes, leafhoppers, and other insects trapped in the orb web.
Behavior:
The female sits near the center of the web or retreats to nearby cover. She detects prey through silk vibrations and quickly wraps small insects.
Day, Night
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Warm months in the morning when fresh webs catch side light along shaded paths and garden edges.
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Not considered imperiled and locally common in suitable wooded habitat.
Safety Level:
Low Risk
Safety Information:
This small orb-weaver is not medically significant. Avoid handling and walk around occupied webs when practical.
Benefits to Property:
It provides natural control of small flying insects without chemicals.
Property Concerns:
Temporary webs may cross paths or shrubs but do not harm plants or structures. Move around the web instead of spraying it.
Fun Fact:
The spiny abdomen discourages predators and gives the spider one of the most distinctive silhouettes in Florida's woodland understory.
Wildlife Laws:
No special Florida listing applies. General protected-area rules still prohibit unauthorized collecting in many parks and preserves.
Identification:
The female has a yellow, white, or red triangular abdomen bordered in black with two long rear spines that create an arrowhead shape. The legs are slender and often reddish. Males are tiny and less ornate.
Credits:
Facts: authoritative species reference. Images: primary and secondary, Wikimedia Commons.