Spiny-Backed Orb-Weaver
Gasteracantha cancriformis
The Spiny-Backed Orb-Weaver is a small colorful Florida spider that builds circular webs and captures flying insects.
The Spiny-Backed Orb-Weaver is a small colorful Florida spider that builds circular webs and captures flying insects.
Females have a broad flattened abdomen with six pointed spines. Color varies from white or yellow to orange, with black spots and red or black spines. Males are much smaller and less conspicuous.
Builds a flat wheel-shaped web between shrubs, trees, fences, and building edges. The female rests near the center and rebuilds damaged silk.
Not medically significant and unlikely to bite. Avoid handling and gently redirect outdoor traffic around occupied webs.
No special state or federal listing applies. Pesticide use must follow label directions and should avoid unnecessary harm to beneficial spiders.
Habitat:
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Residential Areas
Area / Range:
Statewide
Diet:
Mosquitoes, flies, moths, beetles, and other small flying insects caught in the orb web.
Behavior:
Builds a flat wheel-shaped web between shrubs, trees, fences, and building edges. The female rests near the center and rebuilds damaged silk.
Daytime
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Morning when sunlight reveals fresh webs between shrubs, trees, and fence lines
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Not Federally or State Listed
Safety Level:
Harmless
Safety Information:
Not medically significant and unlikely to bite. Avoid handling and gently redirect outdoor traffic around occupied webs.
Benefits to Property:
Captures mosquitoes and many other small flying insects without pesticides and signals a functioning garden food web.
Property Concerns:
Large webs may cross walkways or form between shrubs and structures. Move a web attachment point gently instead of spraying the spider.
Fun Fact:
The species name refers to its crablike abdomen. Females occur in several bright color patterns.
Wildlife Laws:
No special state or federal listing applies. Pesticide use must follow label directions and should avoid unnecessary harm to beneficial spiders.
Identification:
Females have a broad flattened abdomen with six pointed spines. Color varies from white or yellow to orange, with black spots and red or black spines. Males are much smaller and less conspicuous.