Tropical Orb-Weaver
Eriophora ravilla
A variable brown or orange orb-weaver that builds large circular webs across Florida yards and woodland openings after dark.
Tropical Orb-Weavers live across much of Florida in gardens, groves, parks, and woodland edges. Their color and abdominal markings vary greatly among individuals.
After sunset they construct broad vertical webs between branches, fences, and structures. Many take the web down near dawn and hide during daylight.
Habitat:
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Residential Areas
Area / Range:
Central Florida, South Florida, Florida Keys, Atlantic Coast, Gulf Coast
Diet:
Captures moths, beetles, mosquitoes, flies, and other night-flying insects in its orb web.
Behavior:
Builds at dusk, waits at the web hub, and may retreat to nearby foliage when disturbed. Webs are often rebuilt nightly.
Dawn and Dusk, Nighttime
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Warm humid evenings from spring through fall near lights, shrubs, fences, and tree gaps.
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Not listed; common in suitable warm, vegetated habitat.
Safety Level:
Low
Safety Information:
Not medically significant and unlikely to bite. Avoid grabbing the spider. Walk around webs or move an anchor strand gently.
Benefits to Property:
Consumes night-flying insects and provides natural pest reduction without damaging plants or structures.
Property Concerns:
Large webs may cross paths, doorways, or work areas overnight. Selective pruning reduces repeat placement.
Fun Fact:
- Color varies greatly among individuals.
- A large web may be built in one evening.
- The spider often hides by day and returns after dark.
Wildlife Laws:
No special protection applies to common populations. Collecting on parks or preserves and pesticide use remain subject to applicable rules.
Identification:
Medium orb-weaver with a rounded abdomen, banded legs, and variable brown, gray, orange, or reddish markings. It sits at the hub of a large vertical web at night.