Orb Weaver Spider
(Araneidae)

An Orb Weaver Spider clinging on it's illuminated silky web.

Facts: Orb weavers are often brightly coloured with rounded abdomens, some with peculiarly angled humps or spines. However, there is considerable variation in size, colour and shape in this group. They are often recognized for building beautiful, large, round webs, on which they rest, head downward, waiting for prey. The webs consist of a number of radiating threads crossed by two spirals. The inner spiral begins in the centre, winds outward, and is made of smooth threads like the radiating threads. It covers only the central 1/3 of the web. The outer spiral begins at the edges and winds inward. It is made of more elastic, sticky threads, coated with a liquid substance.They are common in late summer and fall. They build their large webs in areas that have a lot of insects. This usually brings them to locations near outdoor lights on porches and around doors.