Six-spotted orbweaver (Araniella displicata)

🕷️ Six-spotted Orbweaver (Araniella displicata)

The Six-spotted Orbweaver is a small and brightly colored spider found across parts of North America, known for its delicate orb-shaped webs and often vibrant green hue. Despite its name, it may not always have six visible spots, but it is easily recognized by its unique coloring and compact size.

🔍 Identification

• Size:
  • Females: 4–7 mm
  • Males: 3–5 mm
• Color:
  • Abdomen: Typically bright green with small black spots (up to six) near the rear
  • Cephalothorax: Reddish to brown
  • Legs: Translucent green or yellow with fine hairs
• Markings: Small black dots toward the back end of the abdomen, giving it the “six-spotted” name

🌍 Distribution & Habitat

• Range: Widely distributed in North America—including the U.S. and southern Canada
• Habitat:
  • Forests, gardens, meadows, and shrublands
  • Often found on leaves or low vegetation, where it spins small orb webs

🌐 Webs & Hunting

• Constructs small orb-shaped webs horizontally or at an angle between vegetation
• Typically rebuilds the web daily
• Prey: Small flying insects like gnats and flies
• Uses vibration in the web to detect prey and rapidly moves to capture and immobilize it

🧬 Behavior & Life Cycle

• Solitary except during mating season
• Reproduction:
  • Males approach females cautiously to avoid being mistaken for prey
  • Females lay eggs in silken sacs hidden in leaves or under bark
• Life span: One year (typically adults are seen in late spring through summer)

⚠️ Venom & Interaction with Humans

• Venom is harmless to humans
• Very unlikely to bite, and if so, the bite is mild and similar to a bug bite
• Often goes unnoticed due to small size and excellent camouflage

🌟 Fun Facts

• Sometimes confused with its European cousin, Araniella cucurbitina, which shares a similar green coloration
• Helps with natural pest control by catching small insects
• The green coloration makes it nearly invisible against leaves, protecting it from predators

🧭 Summary

The Six-spotted Orbweaver (Araniella displicata) is a tiny, vibrant spider that plays a quiet but crucial role in controlling insect populations. With its delicate web, shy nature, and brilliant green camouflage, it’s a jewel of the undergrowth—an elegant little predator that’s more helpful than harmful. Keep an eye out on garden leaves or forest foliage—you might just spot this hidden gem.

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