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<title>Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth: Quick Facts and Essential Info</title>
<link>https://www.whatsthatbug.com/cabbage-tree-emperor-moth-all/</link>
<comments>https://www.whatsthatbug.com/cabbage-tree-emperor-moth-all/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Bugman]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2024 11:40:31 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Insecta]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Lepidoptera]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Cabbage Tree Emporer Moth]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.whatsthatbug.com/?p=113158</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>The Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth is a fascinating insect worth exploring. As a member of the Saturniidae family, this moth stands out due to its distinct appearance and life cycle. In this article, we will dive into the details of this captivating species, from its appearance and natural habitat to its interesting behaviors. Cabbage Tree ... <a title="Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth: Quick Facts and Essential Info" class="read-more" href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/cabbage-tree-emperor-moth-all/" aria-label="Read more about Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth: Quick Facts and Essential Info">Read more</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/cabbage-tree-emperor-moth-all/">Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth: Quick Facts and Essential Info</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com">What's That Bug?</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth is a fascinating insect worth exploring.</p>
<p>As a member of the Saturniidae family, this moth stands out due to its distinct appearance and life cycle.</p>
<p>In this article, we will dive into the details of this captivating species, from its appearance and natural habitat to its interesting behaviors.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="attachment-post-thumbnail wp-post-image alignnone" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/emperor_moth_south_africa_ryno.jpg" alt="Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth" width="800" height="550" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth</p>
<p>Caterpillars of the Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth are unmistakable for their vibrant colors, displaying a bold sequence of green, yellow, and black stripes.</p>
<p>As they mature, these caterpillars transform into stunning adult moths, featuring broad wings with stunning intricate patterns.</p>
<p>They are naturally found in various regions of Africa, where they thrive in warm and lush environments.</p>
<h2>Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth Basics</h2>
<h3>Species Overview</h3>
<p>The Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth, scientifically known as <em>Bunaea alcinoe,</em> belongs to the Lepidoptera order and is endemic to South Africa.</p>
<p>This moth species is commonly associated with cabbage trees.</p>
<h3>Anatomy and Appearance</h3>
<p>Some of the key features of the Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Size</strong>: Adult moths have a wingspan of around 120-160mm.</li>
<li><strong>Color</strong>: They typically exhibit a mix of brown, white, and black shades.</li>
<li><strong>Wing pattern</strong>: Their wings have a unique pattern, featuring triangular black spots in two rows.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Reproduction and Egg Laying</h3>
<p>Cabbage Tree Emperor Moths undergo a multi-stage reproductive cycle:</p>
<ol>
<li>Mating between adult moths</li>
<li>Female moths lay eggs on preferred food plants</li>
<li>Eggs hatch into caterpillars (larva stage)</li>
</ol>
<p>The female moth strategically lays her eggs on or near the ground where they can <em>find ample food</em>.</p>
<h3>Life Cycle</h3>
<p>The Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth goes through four main stages in their life cycle:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Eggs</strong>: Moths lay their eggs on the cabbage trees’ leaves.</li>
<li><strong>Larva</strong>: The caterpillars are known to feed on the tree leaves, growing larger as they consume more.</li>
<li><strong>Pupa</strong>: Once mature, the caterpillar forms a cocoon, turning into a pupa.</li>
<li><strong>Adult moth</strong>: After the pupation is complete, the adult moth emerges from the cocoon and begins the cycle again.</li>
</ol>
<p>Keep in mind that accurate information is essential, and it’s always important to check the sources for reliability.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/bunaea_alcinoe_south_africa_dominique.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/bunaea_alcinoe_south_africa_dominique.jpg 800w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/bunaea_alcinoe_south_africa_dominique-300x206.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/bunaea_alcinoe_south_africa_dominique-768x528.jpg 768w" alt="" width="800" height="550" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth</p>
<h2>Habits and Behavior</h2>
<h3>Feeding Patterns</h3>
<p>Cabbage Tree Emperor Moths have caterpillars that primarily feed on <em><a href="https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef300">cussonia</a></em> plants. Their eating habits can be summarized as:</p>
<ul>
<li>Eat leaves and soft plant tissues</li>
<li>Feast during the caterpillar stage</li>
<li>Consume <em>cussonia</em> plant species</li>
</ul>
<h3>Predators and Defense Mechanisms</h3>
<p>Cabbage Tree Emperor Moths face several predators such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>Bats</li>
<li>Birds</li>
<li>Lizards</li>
</ul>
<p>These moths possess several defense mechanisms, including:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Camouflage</strong>: their coloration and patterns help them blend in with the environment</li>
<li><strong>Mimicry</strong>: caterpillars can imitate plants, making it difficult for predators to spot them</li>
<li><strong>Escape</strong>: adult moths can escape predators by flying away quickly</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Comparison of Cabbage Tree Emperor Moths with similar species:</strong></p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Feature</th>
<th>Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth</th>
<th>Comparable Species</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Preferred food plants</td>
<td>Cussonia</td>
<td>Varies by species</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Predators</td>
<td>Bats, birds, lizards</td>
<td>Similar predators</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Defense mechanisms</td>
<td>Camouflage, mimicry, escape</td>
<td>Varying levels of defense mechanisms</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Cabbage Tree and the Emperor Moth</h2>
<h3>Relationship Between Moth and Tree</h3>
<p>The Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth is a large and beautiful insect that has a special relationship with cabbage trees.</p>
<p>These moths typically lay their eggs on cabbage tree leaves, providing necessary nutrients for their larvae.</p>
<p><span style="background-color: var(--base-3); color: var(--contrast); letter-spacing: 0.05px;">The moth’s larvae feed on the leaves of the cabbage tree, and </span><span style="background-color: var(--base-3); color: var(--contrast); letter-spacing: 0.05px;">the tree’s ecosystem supports the growth and development of the moth</span></p>
<h3>Impact on Cabbage Tree</h3>
<p>The presence of Emperor Moths can have both positive and negative effects on cabbage trees. Here are some important points to consider:</p>
<p><strong>Positive impact:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Moths help with pollination, promoting the growth of the tree</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Negative impact:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Moth larvae may cause damage to the cabbage tree leaves, affecting its appearance and health</li>
</ul>
<p>In summary, the Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth has a unique relationship with cabbage trees, both benefiting from each other and potentially causing harm.</p>
<p>Understanding this balance is important in maintaining a healthy cabbage tree and supporting its ecosystem.</p>
<h2>Caterpillar Characteristics</h2>
<h3>Unique Body Features</h3>
<p>The Cabbage Tree Emperor Caterpillar has some distinct features that make it easily identifiable. These include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>White/yellow tubercular processes:</strong> These are found subdorsally and subspiracularly on the body.</li>
<li><strong>Spikes:</strong> The caterpillar is covered in sharp, white spikes that serve as a defense mechanism against predators.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Larval Form Development</h3>
<p>The larval form of the Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth undergoes several stages, known as instars, before reaching its final form.</p>
<p>In its final instar, with white/yellow tubercular processes and white spikes, can be easily spotted on a cabbage tree due to its unique appearance.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/cabbage_tree_emperor_moth_caterpillar_natasha.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/cabbage_tree_emperor_moth_caterpillar_natasha.jpg 800w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/cabbage_tree_emperor_moth_caterpillar_natasha-300x206.jpg 300w" alt="" width="800" height="550" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth Caterpillar</p>
<h2>Transforming into the Adult Moth</h2>
<h3>The Cocoon Stage</h3>
<p>The Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth (Bunaea alcinoe) is a fascinating insect in the family Saturniidae.</p>
<p>As it transforms from a caterpillar to an adult moth, it passes through the cocoon stage. This stage has some unique features:</p>
<ul>
<li>The cocoon is barrel-shaped and made of strong silk</li>
<li>It’s usually found attached to branches or leaves</li>
</ul>
<h3>Pupa to Adult Moth</h3>
<p>The next step in the moth’s life cycle is the conversion from a pupa to an adult moth. Some key aspects of this metamorphosis include:</p>
<ul>
<li>The pupa’s body develops legs, wings, and other adult features</li>
<li>This process takes about two to four weeks</li>
</ul>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Attribute</th>
<th>Pupa</th>
<th>Adult Moth</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Legs</td>
<td>Developing</td>
<td>Fully developed</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wings</td>
<td>Forming</td>
<td>Functional and colorful</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Reproduction</td>
<td>Not yet capable</td>
<td>Capable & ready</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mobility</td>
<td>None (cocooned)</td>
<td>Capable of flight</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Emerging from the Cocoon</h3>
<p>Finally, the adult Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth emerges from its cocoon. This stage has some interesting characteristics:</p>
<ul>
<li>The adult moth is typically large and brightly patterned</li>
<li>It has a wingspan of up to 6 inches (15 cm)</li>
</ul>
<p>In conclusion, the transformation of the Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth from a pupa to an adult showcases a fascinating process that is delicately timed and intricately designed.</p>
<div class="flex-1 overflow-hidden">
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<div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light">
<h2>The Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth’s Role in the Ecosystem</h2>
<p>The Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth, like many other insects, plays a pivotal role in its ecosystem, interacting with various species in ways that maintain ecological balance. Here are some specific examples of its interactions:</p>
<h3>Pollination Partners</h3>
<p>Adult Cabbage Tree Emperor Moths, with their large wings and body size, can act as pollinators for certain plants.</p>
<p>As they feed on nectar, they inadvertently transfer pollen from one flower to another, aiding in the reproductive process of these plants.</p>
<h3>Predators</h3>
<p>The moth and its larvae have several natural predators.</p>
<p>Birds, bats, and lizards often feed on the adult moths, while the caterpillars are preyed upon by various bird species, spiders, and even some predatory insects.</p>
<p>The moth’s vibrant colors and patterns can sometimes act as a warning sign to potential predators, indicating that they might be toxic or unpalatable.</p>
<h3>Host Plants</h3>
<p>The relationship between the Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth caterpillar and the cabbage tree is a classic example of a host-herbivore interaction.</p>
<p>The caterpillar feeds on the leaves of the cabbage tree, deriving nourishment essential for its growth.</p>
<p>While this might seem detrimental to the plant, moderate herbivory can sometimes stimulate plant growth or even help in seed dispersal.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/emperor_moth_caterpillar_uganda.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/emperor_moth_caterpillar_uganda.jpg 800w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/emperor_moth_caterpillar_uganda-300x206.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/emperor_moth_caterpillar_uganda-768x528.jpg 768w" alt="" width="800" height="550" /></p>
</div>
</div>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth Caterpillar</p>
<div class="min-h-[20px] flex flex-col items-start gap-3 overflow-x-auto whitespace-pre-wrap break-words">
<div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light">
<h3>Parasitoids</h3>
<p>Some wasp and fly species lay their eggs inside the caterpillars of the Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth.</p>
<p>When these eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the caterpillar from the inside, eventually leading to its death.</p>
<p>This parasitic relationship helps control the moth’s population, ensuring they don’t overfeed on their host plants.</p>
<h3>Microbial Interactions</h3>
<p>The Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth, particularly in its caterpillar stage, hosts various microbes in its gut.</p>
<p>These microbes help in the digestion of plant material, breaking down complex compounds that the caterpillar might not be able to digest on its own.</p>
<h3>Mimicry and Camouflage</h3>
<p>Some smaller or less protected species have evolved to mimic the appearance of the Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth’s caterpillar.</p>
<p>By resembling a potentially toxic or unpalatable species, these mimics deter predators, even though they might be harmless themselves.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="absolute bottom-0 left-0 w-full border-t md:border-t-0 dark:border-white/20 md:border-transparent md:dark:border-transparent md:bg-vert-light-gradient bg-white dark:bg-gray-800 md:!bg-transparent dark:md:bg-vert-dark-gradient pt-2 md:pl-2 md:w-[calc(100%-.5rem)]">
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<div class="h-full flex ml-1 md:w-full md:m-auto md:mb-4 gap-0 md:gap-2 justify-center"></div>
</div>
</div>
</form>
</div>
<h2>Edibility and Human Interaction</h2>
<h3>Edible Caterpillars in South Africa</h3>
<p>The Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth is known for its edible caterpillars, which are a popular food source in South Africa.</p>
<p>These caterpillars, locally referred to as <em>mopane worms</em>, are rich in protein and essential nutrients, making them an important food source for many communities.</p>
<p>In comparison to other edible insects, mopane worms stand out as a particularly nutritious and well-liked option.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/cabbage_tree_emperor_caterpillar_sierra_leone_jonathan.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/cabbage_tree_emperor_caterpillar_sierra_leone_jonathan.jpg 800w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/cabbage_tree_emperor_caterpillar_sierra_leone_jonathan-300x206.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/cabbage_tree_emperor_caterpillar_sierra_leone_jonathan-768x528.jpg 768w" alt="" width="800" height="550" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth Caterpillar</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>The Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth, a member of the Saturniidae family, is a captivating species endemic to South Africa.</p>
<p>With its vibrant caterpillar colors and intricate adult wing patterns, it stands as a testament to nature’s artistry.</p>
<p>Its life cycle, from egg to stunning moth, is a journey of transformation. The moth’s relationship with cabbage trees and its caterpillar’s role as a nutritious food source in South Africa further highlight its ecological significance.</p>
<p>This moth truly embodies the wonders of the natural world.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/cabbage-tree-emperor-moth-all/">Cabbage Tree Emperor Moth: Quick Facts and Essential Info</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com">What's That Bug?</a>.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
<wfw:commentRss>https://www.whatsthatbug.com/cabbage-tree-emperor-moth-all/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
<slash:comments>14</slash:comments>
</item>
<item>
<title>Do Boxelder Bugs Bite? Separating Fact from Fiction</title>
<link>https://www.whatsthatbug.com/do-boxelder-bugs-bite/</link>
<comments>https://www.whatsthatbug.com/do-boxelder-bugs-bite/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Bugman]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2024 11:40:02 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Hemiptera]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Insecta]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Boxelder Bug]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.whatsthatbug.com/?p=113349</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Boxelder bugs are a common sight in areas where boxelder trees are found, often taking up residence in homes and buildings. While their appearance may be cause for concern to some, rest assured that these bugs are actually quite harmless. Unlike other insects such as mosquitoes or ticks, boxelder bugs do not bite humans or ... <a title="Do Boxelder Bugs Bite? Separating Fact from Fiction" class="read-more" href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/do-boxelder-bugs-bite/" aria-label="Read more about Do Boxelder Bugs Bite? Separating Fact from Fiction">Read more</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/do-boxelder-bugs-bite/">Do Boxelder Bugs Bite? Separating Fact from Fiction</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com">What's That Bug?</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Boxelder bugs are a common sight in areas where boxelder trees are found, often taking up residence in homes and buildings.</p>
<p>While their appearance may be cause for concern to some, rest assured that these bugs are actually quite harmless.</p>
<p>Unlike other insects such as mosquitoes or ticks, boxelder bugs do not bite humans or animals.</p>
<figure id="attachment_100197" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-100197" style="width: 790px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-100197 size-full" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/eastern_boxelder_alexander.jpg" alt="Do Boxelder Bugs Bite" width="800" height="550" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/eastern_boxelder_alexander.jpg 800w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/eastern_boxelder_alexander-300x206.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/eastern_boxelder_alexander-768x528.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-100197" class="wp-caption-text">Eastern Boxelder Bug</figcaption></figure>
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<p>They are part of the Rhopalidae family, closely related to <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/scentless-plant-bugs-on-rose-of-sharon-niesthrea-louisianica/">scentless plant bugs</a>, <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/do-stink-bugs-bite-debunking-myths-and-facts/">stink bugs</a>, and <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/how-to-get-rid-of-cicadas-easy-and-effective-techniques/">cicadas</a>, which possess piercing and sucking mouthparts.</p>
<p>Instead of feeding on blood, boxelder bugs use their mouths to feed on <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/what-attracts-boxelder-bugs/">boxelder tree seeds and leaves</a>.</p>
<p>Their presence can be a nuisance due to large infestations and the odor released when crushed; however, they do not pose a threat to human health or safety.</p>
<p>So, the next time you encounter a boxelder bug, there’s no need to worry – they won’t bite!</p>
<h2>Boxelder Bugs: An Overview</h2>
<p>Boxelder bugs, scientifically known as <strong>Boisea trivittata</strong> (and closely related to Boisea rubrolineata), are a species of true bugs belonging to the Rhopalidae family.</p>
<p>Found in North America, these insects are notable for their distinct black coloring and red markings.</p>
<p>Unlike some other pests, boxelder bugs are generally considered nuisance pests around homes with nearby plantings of boxelder trees.</p>
<p>Although they don’t typically cause significant damage to plants or homes, their feces can stain light-colored surfaces.</p>
<h3>Key Characteristics</h3>
<ul>
<li>Dark gray to black, with red stripes</li>
<li>Oval shape</li>
<li>Three red stripes on the thorax</li>
<li>Red eyes</li>
<li>Length: about ½ inch</li>
<li>Wings outlined in red</li>
<li>Belongs to the same family as stink bugs and cicadas</li>
</ul>
<p>Boxelder bugs have piercing and sucking mouthparts. They don’t sting or transmit diseases, and they rarely bite, except for defensive purposes.</p>
<p>These insects display several developmental stages throughout the summer, with nymphs being conspicuously bright red.</p>
<figure id="attachment_92729" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-92729" style="width: 734px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-92729" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/eastern_boxelder_don.jpg" alt="" width="744" height="550" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/eastern_boxelder_don.jpg 744w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/eastern_boxelder_don-300x222.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 744px) 100vw, 744px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-92729" class="wp-caption-text">Eastern Boxelder Bug</figcaption></figure>
<h2>Do Boxelder Bugs Bite?</h2>
<p>Boxelder bugs (Boisea trivittata) are commonly found on boxelder trees and are generally considered nuisance pests.</p>
<p>While they possess mouthparts called <strong>proboscis</strong> for piercing and sucking, their primary purpose is to feed on plant matter rather than biting humans or animals.</p>
<p>Although boxelder bugs are mostly <strong>harmless</strong>, there have been rare reports of defensive biting in response to threats.</p>
<p>Unlike a mosquito bite, which can cause irritation or transmit diseases, a boxelder bug bite is not known to cause any significant harm or carry diseases.</p>
<p>Their main defense mechanism includes producing a foul-smelling and distasteful liquid to deter predators, rather than biting or stinging like some other insects.</p>
<p>They are not considered poisonous, and the risk of experiencing vomiting or serious irritation from a boxelder bug bite is extremely low.</p>
<p>In conclusion, boxelder bugs are not known for biting humans or animals, and any potential bite would be very rare and mild compared to other insects like mosquitoes.</p>
<p>Here’s a brief comparison table of Boxelder Bug vs. Mosquito bites:</p>
<p>To summarize:</p>
<ul>
<li>Boxelder bugs are harmless and unusual biters</li>
<li>Mouthparts are designed for plant feeding, not people or animals</li>
<li>Biting is not their primary defense mechanism</li>
</ul>
<figure id="attachment_74885" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-74885" style="width: 790px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-74885" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/boxelder_aggregation_dave.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="550" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/boxelder_aggregation_dave.jpg 800w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/boxelder_aggregation_dave-300x206.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-74885" class="wp-caption-text">Aggregation of Eastern Boxelder Bugs</figcaption></figure>
<h2>Boxelder Bugs’ Habitat and Host Trees</h2>
<p>Boxelder bugs are a type of insect found primarily in North America.</p>
<p>Their habitat mainly consists of areas with <a href="https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/boxelder-bugs">boxelder trees</a>, with seeds being their primary food source.</p>
<p>They can also live in other trees, such as(maple, ash, and fruit trees like apple and pear) which are often found nearby boxelder trees.</p>
<p>Boxelder bugs prefer sunny locations. They tend to congregate on:</p>
<ul>
<li>Rocks</li>
<li>Buildings</li>
<li>Tree trunks</li>
<li>Leaves</li>
</ul>
<p>These insects have six legs and two antennae that help them explore their surroundings.</p>
<p>There are several types of trees that serve as host trees for boxelder bugs. Some common species include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Boxelder (Acer negundo)</li>
<li>Maple (Acer spp.)</li>
<li>Ash (Fraxinus spp.)</li>
<li>Plum (Prunus spp.)</li>
</ul>
<p>In the fall, boxelder bugs not only feed on seeds but also tree sap, leaves, and fruits such as apples and pears.</p>
<p>They are an essential part of nature as pollinators for these trees, helping the plants produce seeds and fruits.</p>
<p>The location range is extensive, from Eastern Nevada to the Midwest and other parts of eastern North America.</p>
<figure id="attachment_84411" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-84411" style="width: 790px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-84411" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/boxelder_nymphs_kristen.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="550" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/boxelder_nymphs_kristen.jpg 800w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/boxelder_nymphs_kristen-300x206.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/boxelder_nymphs_kristen-768x528.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-84411" class="wp-caption-text">Democrat Bugs</figcaption></figure>
<h2>Preventing and Managing Infestations</h2>
<p>Boxelder bugs can become a <a href="https://extension.oregonstate.edu/families-health/healthy-homes/box-elder-bugs-are-harmless-nuisance">nuisance pest</a> during the colder months as they seek shelter indoors. Preventing and managing infestations involves simple, non-chemical methods.</p>
<p>Firstly, seal potential entry points:</p>
<ul>
<li>Caulk cracks in walls, windows, and vents.</li>
<li>Install door sweeps on exterior doors.</li>
<li>Repair window and door screens.</li>
</ul>
<p>Maintaining cleanliness can also help:</p>
<ul>
<li>Vacuum frequently to remove live bugs.</li>
<li>Clean up any feces, which can cause stains and smell.</li>
</ul>
<p>Be observant for overwintering swarms and promptly address any sightings. In case of a severe infestation, consider using pesticides. However, be aware of their drawbacks:</p>
<ul>
<li>May harm non-target organisms, including natural predators.</li>
<li>Overuse can lead to pesticide resistance in bug populations.</li>
</ul>
<p>Introduce natural predators like beetles to control boxelder bugs outdoors.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that while boxelder bugs may cause slight irritation, they are not a <a href="https://extension.unh.edu/resource/boxelder-bug-fact-sheet">true bug</a> and do not bite.</p>
<h2>Myths and Misconceptions about Boxelder Bugs</h2>
<p><strong>1. Myth: Boxelder bugs are harmful pests that destroy plants.</strong></p>
<p>Fact: While boxelder bugs feed on the seeds and leaves of boxelder trees, they generally do not cause significant damage to these trees or other plants. They are more of a nuisance pest than a destructive one.</p>
<p><strong>2. Myth: Boxelder bugs bite humans frequently.</strong></p>
<p>Fact: Boxelder bugs are not known for biting humans. While they have mouthparts that can pierce, they typically use them to feed on plant matter. Rare instances of defensive biting have been reported, but they are not common.</p>
<p><strong>3. Myth: Boxelder bugs transmit diseases to humans.</strong></p>
<p>Fact: There is no evidence to suggest that boxelder bugs transmit diseases to humans. They are not vectors for any known pathogens.</p>
<p><strong>4. Myth: Boxelder bugs are the same as stink bugs.</strong></p>
<p>Fact: While both boxelder bugs and stink bugs belong to the order Hemiptera and can release unpleasant odors when threatened or crushed, they are different species with distinct behaviors and appearances.</p>
<p><strong>5. Myth: Boxelder bugs infest homes year-round.</strong></p>
<p>Fact: Boxelder bugs typically seek shelter indoors during the colder months to overwinter. They are not usually active inside homes during the warmer months.</p>
<figure id="attachment_84593" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-84593" style="width: 790px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-84593" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/boxelder_bug_nymphs_lisam.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="550" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/boxelder_bug_nymphs_lisam.jpg 800w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/boxelder_bug_nymphs_lisam-300x206.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/boxelder_bug_nymphs_lisam-768x528.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-84593" class="wp-caption-text">Boxelder Bug Nymphs</figcaption></figure>
<p><strong>6. Myth: All boxelder bugs are the same.</strong></p>
<p>Fact: There are different species of boxelder bugs, with the Eastern Boxelder Bug (Boisea trivittata) and the <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/western-boxelder-bug-all-you-need-to-know/">Western Boxelder Bug</a> (Boisea rubrolineata) being the most common.</p>
<p><strong>7. Myth: Boxelder bugs are only found near boxelder trees.</strong></p>
<p>Fact: While boxelder bugs are commonly associated with boxelder trees, they can also be found near other trees like maple and ash.</p>
<p><strong>8. Myth: Pesticides are the only way to control boxelder bug infestations.</strong></p>
<p>Fact: While pesticides can be effective, there are several non-chemical methods to manage and prevent boxelder bug infestations, such as sealing entry points, vacuuming, and maintaining cleanliness.</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>Boxelder bugs, commonly found in proximity to boxelder trees, are often mistaken for pests due to their tendency to invade homes in search of warmth.</p>
<p>However, these insects are largely harmless, posing no threat to human health or property. Unlike some other insects, they do not bite humans or animals.</p>
<p>Their primary diet consists of boxelder tree seeds and leaves. While they can become a nuisance, especially when they gather in large numbers, understanding their habits and characteristics can help in managing and preventing infestations.</p>
<p>It’s essential to differentiate boxelder bugs from other similar-looking pests, as the approach to control and potential risks may vary.</p>
<section class="footnotes" data-footnotes="">
<h2 id="footnote-label" class="sr-only">Footnotes</h2>
<ol>
<li id="user-content-fn-1%5E"><a href="https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-2106">Ohioline</a> <a class="data-footnote-backref" href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php#user-content-fnref-1%5E" data-footnote-backref="" aria-label="Back to content"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/21a9.png" alt="↩" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></a></li>
<li id="user-content-fn-2%5E"><a href="https://extension.unh.edu/resource/boxelder-bug-fact-sheet">UNH Extension</a> <a class="data-footnote-backref" href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php#user-content-fnref-2%5E" data-footnote-backref="" aria-label="Back to content"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/21a9.png" alt="↩" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></a></li>
<li id="user-content-fn-3%5E"><a href="https://extension.unh.edu/resource/boxelder-bug-fact-sheet">UNH Extension</a> <a class="data-footnote-backref" href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php#user-content-fnref-3%5E" data-footnote-backref="" aria-label="Back to content"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/21a9.png" alt="↩" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></a></li>
<li id="user-content-fn-4%5E"><a href="https://extension.psu.edu/boxelder-bug">Penn State Extension</a> <a class="data-footnote-backref" href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php#user-content-fnref-4%5E" data-footnote-backref="" aria-label="Back to content"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/21a9.png" alt="↩" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></a></li>
<li id="user-content-fn-5%5E"><a href="https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/boxelder-bugs/">Wisconsin Horticulture</a> <a class="data-footnote-backref" href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php#user-content-fnref-5%5E" data-footnote-backref="" aria-label="Back to content"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/21a9.png" alt="↩" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></a></li>
<li id="user-content-fn-6%5E"><a href="https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/boxelder-bugs">UMN Extension</a> <a class="data-footnote-backref" href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php#user-content-fnref-6%5E" data-footnote-backref="" aria-label="Back to content"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/21a9.png" alt="↩" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></a></li>
<li id="user-content-fn-7%5E"><a href="https://extension.psu.edu/boxelder-bug">Penn State Extension</a> <a class="data-footnote-backref" href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php#user-content-fnref-7%5E" data-footnote-backref="" aria-label="Back to content"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/21a9.png" alt="↩" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></a></li>
</ol>
</section>
<h2>Reader Emails</h2>
<p>Over the years, our website, <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/">whatsthatbug.com</a> has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about boxelder bugs. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.</p>
<h3>Letter 1 – Boxelder Bug Nymphs</h3>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/boxelder_bug_nymphs_lisam.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/boxelder_bug_nymphs_lisam.jpg 800w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/boxelder_bug_nymphs_lisam-300x206.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/boxelder_bug_nymphs_lisam-768x528.jpg 768w" alt="" width="800" height="550" />Subject: Red and purple beetle<br />
Location: SE Michigan<br />
June 25, 2016 4:48 pm<br />
Hi bugman!<br />
I just noticed thousands of these guys hanging out in my backyard mostly around decorative grass and dry whirlybirds. They vary in size and amount of yellow and seem to like to clump together.<br />
Signature: Lisa M</p>
<figure id="attachment_84593" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-84593" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/boxelder_bug_nymphs_lisam.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-84593" src="/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/boxelder_bug_nymphs_lisam-300x206.jpg" alt="Boxelder Bug Nymphs" width="300" height="206" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/boxelder_bug_nymphs_lisam-300x206.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/boxelder_bug_nymphs_lisam-768x528.jpg 768w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/boxelder_bug_nymphs_lisam.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-84593" class="wp-caption-text">Boxelder Bug Nymphs</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Dear Lisa M,<br />
These are <a href="https://whatsthatbug.com/boxelder-bug-nymphs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">immature Eastern Boxelder Bugs</a>,</em> Boisea trivittata.<em> Adults are winged. Both adults and nymphs form large aggregations leading to popular names like <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/life-cycle-of-boxelder-bugs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Democrat Bugs</a> or Populist Bugs. </em></p>
<p><em>According to <a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/3598" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BugGuide</a> they feed on the seeds of the following trees: “</em>Acer grandidentatum<em> (Bigtooth Maple), </em>A. negundo<em> (Boxelder), </em>A. saccharinum<em> (Silver Maple), </em>A. buergerianum<em> (Trident Maple), and Sapindus saponaria (Soapberry).” You must have a nearby maple tree. </em></p>
<p><em>Boxelder Bugs do not harm the trees and they are not dangerous, but they can be a nuisance if they are too plentiful.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 2 – Boxelder Bug Aggregation</h3>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/boxelder_bug_aggregation_ti.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 216px) 100vw, 216px" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/boxelder_bug_aggregation_ti.jpg 216w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/boxelder_bug_aggregation_ti-175x300.jpg 175w" alt="" width="216" height="370" />what are these in such a big cluster?<br />
Sorry this is not a closeup of one or two beatles but I thoght you might be able to ID then because of their marking,,,,,,,,Thanks<br />
Tim Knight</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="/images/boxelder_bug_aggregation_ti.jpg" width="216" height="370" /></p>
<p><em>Hi Tim,<br />
Excellent photo of a Boxelder Bug Aggregation.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 3 – Boxelder Bug Aggregation</h3>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/boxelder_aggregation_steph.jpg" alt="" width="216" height="231" />What’s this Bug?<br />
My ex wife has discovered a lot, and I do mean a lot, of these bugs on the side of her house. There are literally hundreds of them. It appears as if the younger bugs have red bodies and as they mature they grow black wings. Any idea what they are?<br />
Thanks,<br />
Stephen Bland</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="/images/boxelder_aggregation_steph.jpg" width="216" height="231" /></p>
<p><em>Hi Stephen,<br />
We get many letters regarding large aggregations of Boxelder Bugs. We have also gotten reports that spraying them with soapy water will kill them.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 4 – Boxelder Bug Aggregation</h3>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/boxelder_aggregation_darla.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 216px) 100vw, 216px" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/boxelder_aggregation_darla.jpg 216w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/boxelder_aggregation_darla-203x300.jpg 203w" alt="" width="216" height="318" />Red Bug<br />
Hello, Daniel & Lisa!<br />
I thought I would inquire about a picture I sent a few days ago about the red bugs who have invaded our lawn. I’ve not seen anything on the site, just thought I’d ask if you knew what they are and what they do? <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/1f609.png" alt="😉" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Thanks,<br />
Darla Tanner</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="/images/boxelder_aggregation_darla.jpg" width="216" height="318" /></p>
<p><em>Hi Darla,<br />
Now that you have finally attached a photo that arrived, we have lost your original letter. Your photo depicts an aggregation of Boxelder Bugs. Often they form large masses of adults and juveniles, especially in the autumn. </em></p>
<p><em>In recent months, due to our site’s popularity, we have been forced to run ads, and help with Boxelder Bugs are always present among the ads.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 5 – Boxelder Bug Nymph</h3>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/boxelder_nymph_roger.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 216px) 100vw, 216px" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/boxelder_nymph_roger.jpg 216w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/boxelder_nymph_roger-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/boxelder_nymph_roger-120x120.jpg 120w" alt="" width="216" height="216" />what is this beetle?<br />
Hello,<br />
I have hundreds of these little red and black beetles in my yard. Can you identify what they are? Are they harmful to my lawn? I live in Palm Harbor, Florida, near Tampa Bay. Thanks very much for your help. Best regards,<br />
Roger Leighton</p>
<p><em> Hi Roger,<br />
No photo arrived, but we are guessing probably Boxelder Bugs or other hemipteran.</em></p>
<p>My apologies, I included two photos in my last email, strange they didn’t come through. I will try to attach the photos differently. Close guess, these beetles do look like boxelder bugs in shape but seem to have much more red to them. Let me know if the photos made it or not this time. And thanks again for your time. Regards,<br />
Roger</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="/images/boxelder_nymph_roger.jpg" width="216" height="216" /></p>
<p><em>Hi again Roger,<br />
This is a Boxelder Bug nymph. The wings of the adults cover the red coloration on the abdomen.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 6 – Boxelder Bug Aggregation</h3>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/boxelder_aggregation_joe.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 216px) 100vw, 216px" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/boxelder_aggregation_joe.jpg 216w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/boxelder_aggregation_joe-184x300.jpg 184w" alt="" width="216" height="351" />What is it ?<br />
I have been seeing these bugs on the walking trail at different times during the year. Usually they are swarming on a nearby Locust Tree, but now that the trail has erected a sign with glass panels, they are swarming on it.</p>
<p>Also inside the glass. They are about the size of a Lightening Bug, thin flat body, red wings. They CAN fly, but not too far. Are they any danger to the wood. ? I will attach a pic. Thanks<br />
Joe “Pip” Betz</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="/images/boxelder_aggregation_joe.jpg" width="216" height="351" /></p>
<p><em>Hi Joe,<br />
It seems we chose wisely when we decided to make the Boxelder Bug our featured Bug of the Month for November, but judging by the number of letters, our readership is having a disconnect when it comes to identifying their own sitings. </em></p>
<p><em>We had three images posted on our homepage at the time your letter was submitted, and your letter will make four. There is much information online about Boxelder Bugs.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 7 – Boxelder Bug Aggregation</h3>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/boxelders_christina.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 216px) 100vw, 216px" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/boxelders_christina.jpg 216w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/boxelders_christina-187x300.jpg 187w" alt="" width="216" height="346" />Curious – Red Bug – Beetle?<br />
Hello,<br />
I ran across your site while investigating what this bug may be. I live Eastern Ontario (Ottawa), Canada. These bugs have been here since June, Usually clump together on wood. But lately they have been spreading out, on leaves of plants and my covering my basement windows.</p>
<p>They are pretty, but I am wondering what they are and if I should be worried. I appreciate any help you may have to offer. I have attached 2 photo’s. One of them clumped together and another on their own. Thank you in advance<br />
Christina</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="/images/boxelders_christina.jpg" width="216" height="346" /></p>
<p><em>Hi Christina,<br />
We try to keep a photo of Boxelder Bugs on our homepage, especially in the autumn when they become more noticeable and sometimes seek shelter inside homes. </em></p>
<p><em>They are Scentless Plant Bugs that form large groupings of the red wingless nymphs along with the black and red winged adults. These groupings are known as aggregations. There are several products as well as numerous websites advertising methods to rid your yard of Boxelder Bugs.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 8 – Boxelder Bug: Wrongfully Maligned???</h3>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/boxelder_dan.jpg" alt="" width="216" height="262" />Another Boxelder Question<br />
I’m shocked to find you advocating the extermination (via a mild solution of detergent and water) of Boxelders without explaining WHY they should be killed. This is even more surprising after reading your reactions to all the carnage photos sent to you.</p>
<p>For some reason, the poor little (seemingly) harmless Boxelder just isn’t a worthy creature. I think I’ve read through all the postings regarding Boxelders and I haven’t found (unless I missed it) a good reason for killing them. Please enlighten me. Though I don’t think another photo is needed, I’ve attached one. (Sorry I couldn’t get him to smile…)<br />
Dan</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="/images/boxelder_dan.jpg" width="216" height="262" /></p>
<p><em>Hi Dan,<br />
Your letter has given us pause to think about this. Here is what <a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/3598" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BugGuide</a> has to say: “Adults take plant juices from maples, fruit trees, sometimes nectar. Nymphs feed on seeds, also dead insects, sometimes cannibalize other nymphs as they molt. ” and “Considered a nuisance when it invades houses. </em></p>
<p><em>Not an economically important pest, as its main food source (Boxelder) has little or no commercial value.” So, Boxelder Bugs are a nuisance, but are not a particular threat. We should perhaps revisit our advise on how to control them. We have never endorsed wholesale extermination of the species. </em></p>
<p><em>People whose lives are impacted by population explosions of Boxelder Bugs, especially when they invade the home, might want a environmentally safe means of control. Though we tolerate insects in our home, we would not want to be invaded by 1000’s of Boxelder Bugs, and if that happened, we might resort to some means of control. </em></p>
<p><em>Once again, for clarification, we have never endorsed wholesale extermination, but perhaps our advice to use soapy water should be reserved for otherwise uncontrollable numbers.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 9 – Boxelder Bug Nymph: Democrat Bugs</h3>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/boxelder_bug_nymph_sarah-300x227.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="227" />Red bug thing<br />
Location: Austin, TX<br />
March 30, 2011 12:56 pm<br />
Can you please help me identify? We live in Austin, TX and these seem to be infesting the yard and wooded areas… clustered in large groups.<br />
Signature: Sarah Warland</p>
<figure id="attachment_39416" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-39416" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/boxelder_bug_nymph_sarah.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-39416" title="boxelder_bug_nymph_sarah" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/boxelder_bug_nymph_sarah-300x227.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="227" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-39416" class="wp-caption-text">Boxelder Bug Nymph</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Hi Sarah,<br />
This is an immature Eastern Boxelder Bug nymph, </em>Boisea trivittata<em>. Adults and nymphs can become a nuisance because they often form large aggregations and they often enter homes in the fall where they hibernate until warm weather returns. </em></p>
<p><em>They will not harm the home, but most folks do not want to share their dwellings with great quantities of insects. They feed upon the seeds of boxelder and other maples, so they also do not have a direct negative impact on the plants themselves. </em></p>
<p><em>They are benign insects, but again, they are considered a nuisance since they can become quite plentiful. Depending upon your political affiliation, you may or may not find it amusing that they are also commonly called Democrat Bugs.</em></p>
<p>Cool! Thanks so much… we do seem to be infested but I am glad to know they are not harmful.<br />
Much appreciated!!</p>
<h3>Letter 10 – Boxelder Bug aggregation</h3>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/boxelder_aggregation_canada_allan-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" />Subject: Little red bugs<br />
Location: Hamilton Ontario Canada<br />
September 22, 2012 9:39 am<br />
Hi, we found a group of these little red/orange bugs recently and have no idea what they are.<br />
The scale doesn’t show in the photos, but they’re about 1/4” to a max of 1/2” long.<br />
They were found in an outdoor area, around an old storage trailer. As the pictures show, they seemed to congregate together, though they were spread across a large area.<br />
We are in Hamilton Ontario (southwestern shore of Lake Ontario), and the weather was sunny and warm. The pic was taken a few days ago.<br />
Any idea what these guys are?<br />
Signature: Allan</p>
<figure id="attachment_50548" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-50548" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/boxelder_aggregation_canada_allan.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-50548" title="boxelder_aggregation_canada_allan" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/boxelder_aggregation_canada_allan-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-50548" class="wp-caption-text">Boxelder Bug Aggregation</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Hi Allan,<br />
A similar aggregation of <a href="https://whatsthatbug.com/democrat-bugs-2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Eastern Boxelder Bugs</a>,</em> Boisea trivittata,<em> is currently featured on our homepage banner. Because they form such large aggregations, Boxelder Bugs are also called Politician Bugs, Populist Bugs or Democrat Bugs.</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/do-boxelder-bugs-bite/">Do Boxelder Bugs Bite? Separating Fact from Fiction</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com">What's That Bug?</a>.</p>
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<title>Is a Scorpion Fly Dangerous? Uncovering the Truth About This Intriguing Insect</title>
<link>https://www.whatsthatbug.com/is-a-scorpion-fly-dangerous-uncovering-the-truth-about-this-intriguing-insect/</link>
<comments>https://www.whatsthatbug.com/is-a-scorpion-fly-dangerous-uncovering-the-truth-about-this-intriguing-insect/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Bugman]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2024 11:39:23 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Diptera]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Insecta]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Scorpion Flies]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.whatsthatbug.com/?p=113953</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Scorpionflies might look intimidating due to their unique appearance, resembling a blend of scorpion and wasp features. The males possess a scorpion-like tail, which can often spark fear in those who encounter them. However, it’s essential to properly understand this insect and its behavior before jumping to conclusions about its potential danger. Contrary to their ... <a title="Is a Scorpion Fly Dangerous? Uncovering the Truth About This Intriguing Insect" class="read-more" href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/is-a-scorpion-fly-dangerous-uncovering-the-truth-about-this-intriguing-insect/" aria-label="Read more about Is a Scorpion Fly Dangerous? Uncovering the Truth About This Intriguing Insect">Read more</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/is-a-scorpion-fly-dangerous-uncovering-the-truth-about-this-intriguing-insect/">Is a Scorpion Fly Dangerous? Uncovering the Truth About This Intriguing Insect</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com">What's That Bug?</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Scorpionflies might look intimidating due to their unique appearance, resembling a blend of scorpion and wasp features. The males possess a scorpion-like tail, which can often spark fear in those who encounter them. However, it’s essential to properly understand this insect and its behavior before jumping to conclusions about its potential danger.</p>
<p>Contrary to their threatening appearance, scorpionflies are not dangerous to humans. The male’s scorpion-like tail is in fact harmless and is not capable of stinging. Moreover, although scorpionflies share some similarities with wasps, they don’t possess the stinging ability commonly associated with the latter. These fascinating insects serve as pollinators and also help control other insect populations, making them a vital part of our ecosystem.</p>
<h2>Basic Information About Scorpion Flies</h2>
<h3>Mecoptera Order</h3>
<p>Scorpion flies belong to the Mecoptera order of insects. These unique creatures have specific habitat preferences and environmental needs.</p>
<ul>
<li>Prefer moist environments</li>
<li>Most active during cooler weather</li>
</ul>
<h3>Scorpion Fly Appearance</h3>
<p>These interesting insects have some notable features:</p>
<ul>
<li>Long-faced wasps resemblance</li>
<li>Wings are clear or light-colored with black patterns</li>
<li>Rusty or yellowish-brown body color<sup><a href="#user-content-fn-1%5E" id="user-content-fnref-1%5E" data-footnote-ref aria-describedby="footnote-label">1</a></sup></li>
</ul>
<h3>Size and Identification</h3>
<p>Scorpion flies can be easily identified by their distinct appearance:</p>
<ul>
<li>Bulbous, upcurled “tail” in males</li>
<li>Harmless but resembles a scorpion stinger<sup><a href="#user-content-fn-1%5E" id="user-content-fnref-1%5E-2" data-footnote-ref aria-describedby="footnote-label">1</a></sup></li>
<li>Small body size, typically about 1/5 inch long<sup><a href="#user-content-fn-2%5E" id="user-content-fnref-2%5E" data-footnote-ref aria-describedby="footnote-label">2</a></sup></li>
</ul>
<h3>United States Distribution</h3>
<p>Scorpion flies are arthropods found throughout the United States, although they are not as common in arid regions like Arizona.</p>
<ul>
<li>Arthropod relatives include spiders, ticks, mites, and scorpions<sup><a href="#user-content-fn-2%5E" id="user-content-fnref-2%5E-2" data-footnote-ref aria-describedby="footnote-label">2</a></sup></li>
<li>Diverse habitats but usually not in extremely dry areas</li>
</ul>
<h2>Behavior and Ecology</h2>
<h3>Diet and Predatory Behavior</h3>
<p>Scorpionflies are intriguing arthropods found in moist habitats like hedgerows and forests. They are not dangerous to humans, despite their intimidating appearance. Their diet primarily consists of dead insects, making them essential players in the decomposition process within their ecosystems. Scorpionflies occasionally feed on living insects, showcasing their predatory behavior. For example, they might catch and consume butterflies. A scorpionfly’s pincers are useful tools for capturing prey, but they do not pose any threat to people.</p>
<p>As nocturnal creatures, scorpionflies are most active during nighttime hours. This helps them to avoid many potential predators, which are typically active during the day.</p>
<h3>Reproduction and Lifecycle</h3>
<p>Scorpionflies exhibit a fascinating reproductive behavior involving nuptial gifts. Males present females with a food item, like a dead insect, to increase the chances of successful mating. This unique process ensures that scorpionflies reproduce without conflict and stress.</p>
<p>The lifecycle of a scorpionfly consists of four stages: egg, larval, pupal, and adult. Eggs are laid in moist environments, and once they hatch, the young larvae begin to consume dead insects. During their growth, they go through several stages, shedding their exoskeletons to accommodate for their enlarging bodies. After the larval stage, they pupate and eventually emerge as adults with fully developed wings, genitals, and even a scorpion-like tail in males. The tail and abdomen, though visually striking, do not serve any dangerous purpose and are ultimately used for reproduction.</p>
<h2>Is a Scorpion Fly Dangerous?</h2>
<h3>Scorpion Fly Stings and Bites</h3>
<p>Scorpion flies are unique insects with long faces that look like wasps. Males have a bulbous, upcurled “tail” often mistaken as a scorpion’s stinger; however, this tail is completely harmless<sup><a href="#user-content-fn-1%5E" id="user-content-fnref-1%5E-3" data-footnote-ref aria-describedby="footnote-label">1</a></sup>. In fact, scorpion flies do not possess stingers and do not bite humans.</p>
<p>In contrast, <a href="https://extension.okstate.edu/fact-sheets/scorpions.html">scorpions are arachnids</a> that have a venomous stinger on their tails. They use their stingers to defend themselves or predating other insects.</p>
<p><strong>Scorpion Flies:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>No stingers</li>
<li>Do not bite humans</li>
<li>Inept to cause harm</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Scorpions:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Possess venomous stingers</li>
<li>Can sting humans</li>
<li>Capable of causing harm</li>
</ul>
<h3>Allergic Reactions and Symptoms</h3>
<p>Since scorpion flies do not sting or bite humans, they do not pose allergy risks. Meanwhile, scorpion stings may cause symptoms like pain, numbness, swelling, drooling, nausea, or vomiting<sup><a href="#user-content-fn-2%5E" id="user-content-fnref-2%5E-3" data-footnote-ref aria-describedby="footnote-label">2</a></sup>. In more severe cases, symptoms may include difficulty breathing, muscle twitching, high blood pressure, and excitability.</p>
<p>Out of the 1,500 known scorpion species, only <a href="https://askabiologist.asu.edu/explore/not-so-scary-scorpions">25 have a sting potent enough to be dangerous to humans</a>. The bark scorpion is one such species and is common in California. Bark scorpion stings can cause severe symptoms in some people, particularly young children, which could lead to complications like respiratory failure and, rarely, death. It is crucial to seek immediate medical care in case of a scorpion sting.</p>
<h2>Prevention and Control</h2>
<h3>Tips for Avoiding Scorpion Flies</h3>
<ul>
<li>Keep your surroundings clean and clutter-free</li>
<li>Seal gaps and cracks in walls, doors, and windows</li>
<li>Install screens on windows and doors</li>
<li>Remove woodpiles and other potential hiding spots</li>
</ul>
<p>Scorpion flies, from families Panorpidae and Bittacidae, are not as dangerous as other scorpion species, such as the Arizona bark scorpion. However, it’s essential to take preventive measures in areas where they are common, such as the U.S.</p>
<h3>Dealing with Infestations</h3>
<ul>
<li>Regularly inspect your home for signs of infestation</li>
<li>Use traps or pesticides for pests and mites, if necessary</li>
<li>Seek professional help for severe cases</li>
</ul>
<p>While mature snow scorpionflies can cause discomfort, they rarely require medical attention. Symptoms like convulsions, cramps, and paralysis are uncommon and typically associated with more dangerous scorpion species.</p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Scorpion Species</th>
<th>Danger Level</th>
<th>Symptoms</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Scorpion Flies</td>
<td>Low</td>
<td>Discomfort</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Arizona Bark Scorpion</td>
<td>High</td>
<td>Convulsions, Cramps, Paralysis</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>In conclusion, while scorpion flies may not pose a significant threat, it’s essential to keep your environment clean and take preventive measures to minimize contact and avoid potential infestations.</p>
<h2>Scientific and Cultural Significance</h2>
<h3>Role in Forensic Entomology</h3>
<p>Scorpion flies play a part in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6440624/">forensic entomology</a>, as they are known to feed on decaying matter. For instance, they are often found around corpses. Forensic scientists can use these insects to estimate the time of death.</p>
<h3>Evolution and Relation to Other Insects</h3>
<p>Scorpion fly evolution is fascinating due to their unique features. For example, their elongated heads resemble a scorpion’s tail, but they lack venom and aren’t dangerous. They have an ancient lineage and are more closely related to endopterygote insects, like bees and butterflies, than true flies.</p>
<p>Some key features of scorpion flies:</p>
<ul>
<li>Elongated heads</li>
<li>Not dangerous to humans</li>
<li>Ancient lineage</li>
<li>More closely related to bees and butterflies than true flies</li>
</ul>
<p>Scorpion flies vs. true flies:</p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Scorpion Flies</th>
<th>True Flies</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Non-venomous</td>
<td>Some are venomous</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Elongated heads</td>
<td>No elongated head</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>No pinchers</td>
<td>Often have pinchers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ancient lineage</td>
<td>Modern lineage</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Scorpion flies play a crucial role in pollination by feeding on <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3867139/">pollen</a>. This helps plants reproduce and spread, which supports ecosystems and is essential for our food supply.</p>
<p>Overall, scorpion flies are interesting and essential members of the natural world, with roles in forensic entomology, pollination, and fascinating evolutionary relationships.</p>
<section data-footnotes class="footnotes">
<h2 class="sr-only" id="footnote-label">Footnotes</h2>
<ol>
<li id="user-content-fn-1%5E">(<a href="https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/common-scorpionflies">https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/common-scorpionflies</a>) <a href="#user-content-fnref-1%5E" data-footnote-backref class="data-footnote-backref" aria-label="Back to content"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/21a9.png" alt="↩" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></a> <a href="#user-content-fnref-1%5E-2" data-footnote-backref class="data-footnote-backref" aria-label="Back to content"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/21a9.png" alt="↩" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><sup>2</sup></a> <a href="#user-content-fnref-1%5E-3" data-footnote-backref class="data-footnote-backref" aria-label="Back to content"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/21a9.png" alt="↩" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><sup>3</sup></a></li>
<li id="user-content-fn-2%5E">(<a href="https://extension.umn.edu/insect-relatives/pseudoscorpions">https://extension.umn.edu/insect-relatives/pseudoscorpions</a>) <a href="#user-content-fnref-2%5E" data-footnote-backref class="data-footnote-backref" aria-label="Back to content"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/21a9.png" alt="↩" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></a> <a href="#user-content-fnref-2%5E-2" data-footnote-backref class="data-footnote-backref" aria-label="Back to content"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/21a9.png" alt="↩" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><sup>2</sup></a> <a href="#user-content-fnref-2%5E-3" data-footnote-backref class="data-footnote-backref" aria-label="Back to content"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/21a9.png" alt="↩" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><sup>3</sup></a></li>
</ol>
</section>
<h2>Reader Emails</h2>
<p>Over the years, our website, <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/">whatsthatbug.com</a> has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.</p>
<h3>Letter 1 – Scorpion-Fly</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="216" height="224" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/scorpionfly.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" /> What is this bug?<br />
Bugman,<br />
I’ve been searching for hours to find out what this bug is, but can’t seem to find a similar picture anywhere. Any ideas what it might be?<br />
Thanks,<br />
Rob</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="/images/scorpionfly.jpg" width="216" height="224"/></p>
<p><em>Hi Rob,<br />
We are very excited to get your letter since we are able to start a brand new page with your photo of a Scorpion-Fly. This is the first we have received. Scorpion-Flies belong to the order Mecoptera. Despite their fierce name, they are harmless, unless you are an injured insect. Adults are usually found on foliage near shaded streams in damp woods. Thanks for the photo. Sadly, the site is currently down and will not return until October.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 2 – Scorpionflies attracted to Cat Food!!!</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="300" height="206" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/scorpionfly_lone_star-300x206.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />Subject: Wasp with a skorpion like body<br />
Location: Central, Texas<br />
October 25, 2012 10:55 am<br />
I found several on a mound of wet cat food.<br />
Signature: Lone Star</p>
<p>Subject: More Skorpion Fly pictures<br />
Location: Central, Texas<br />
October 25, 2012 1:13 pm<br />
Like I said before there was 5 of them on my cats wet food. Thanks in advance for your help.<br />
Signature: Lone Star</p>
<figure id="attachment_51176" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-51176" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/scorpionfly_lone_star.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-51176" title="scorpionfly_lone_star" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/scorpionfly_lone_star-300x206.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="206" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-51176" class="wp-caption-text">Scorpionfly</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Dear Lone Star,<br />
We are fascinated by Scorpionflies being attracted to cat food. According to BugGuide: “Adults feed mainly on dead/dying insects, rarely on nectar/fruit” but nothing about cat food. We much prefer <a href="https://whatsthatbug.com/scorpionfly-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">live Scorpionflies</a> to dead ones. They are not harmful to cats or humans, and our instincts lead us to believe that this is <a href="tag/unnecessary-carnage/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Unnecessary Carnage</a>.</em></p>
<figure id="attachment_51177" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-51177" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/scorpionflies_lone_star.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-51177" title="scorpionflies_lone_star" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/scorpionflies_lone_star-300x206.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="206" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-51177" class="wp-caption-text">Scorpionflies</figcaption></figure>
<p>Daniel,<br />
Thank you for the info & your quick reply.<br />
I had never seen one & with all the invasive specie these days, I was concerned.</p>
<h3>Letter 3 – Scorpionfly</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="216" height="380" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/scorpionfly_germany.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/scorpionfly_germany.jpg 216w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/scorpionfly_germany-170x300.jpg 170w" sizes="(max-width: 216px) 100vw, 216px" />Please help !<br />
Hi there.<br />
I have been looking at picture of bugs and flies all over the internet for hours and I can’t seem to find anything that looks like the one I found, (see attached) I found it on my living room window in Munster Germany (Mid August). it was about 15 mm in length, with a red-ish colour. I was wondering if you could help identify it for me as I have small children and am worried that they might bite. Thank you.<br />
Mrs Dwyer, Munster, Germany</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="/images/scorpionfly_germany.jpg" width="216" height="380"/></p>
<p><em>Hi Mrs Dwyer,<br />
Despite its name and appearance, the Scorpionfly is perfectly harmless.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 4 – Scorpionfly</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="300" height="252" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/scorpionfly_lauren-300x252.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />Scorpionfly<br />
Location: Austin, TX<br />
October 31, 2010 1:36 pm<br />
Hi, thought you’d like this picture I took of a male scorpionfly on the rock wall of our house (Austin, TX, on 10/27/10). It was about 1-1.5 inches long. I didn’t know what it was until I found it on your site.<br />
Signature: Lauren</p>
<figure id="attachment_29776" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-29776" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/scorpionfly_lauren.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-29776" title="scorpionfly_lauren" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/scorpionfly_lauren-300x252.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="252" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-29776" class="wp-caption-text">Scorpionfly</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Hi Lauren,<br />
Your photo clearly illustrates why harmless creatures in the family <a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/9216" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Panorpidae</a> are commonly called Scorpionflies </em></p>
<h3>Letter 5 – Scorpionfly</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="300" height="234" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/scorpionfly_pach-300x234.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />Subject: Never seen before by me<br />
Location: south Missouri<br />
September 20, 2012 1:34 pm<br />
I have never seen this insect before and lately, there are several. It has a black elongated snout and black legs, with a red body, ending with a tail like a scorpion. It’s wings are black and orange.<br />
I observed one rubbing it’s front legs on a dead cricket and then it’s snout repeatedly.<br />
Signature: Pach</p>
<figure id="attachment_50538" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-50538" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/scorpionfly_pach.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-50538" title="scorpionfly_pach" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/scorpionfly_pach-300x234.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="234" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-50538" class="wp-caption-text">Scorpionfly</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Hi Pach,<br />
Your verbal description is spot-on since this is a Scorpionfly in the genus </em>Panorpa <em>which you can verify on <a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/9217" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BugGuide</a> where it states: “Adults feed mainly on dead/dying insects, rarely on nectar/fruit: Larvae scavenge on decaying organic matter or dead insects; may prey on soil insects.</em>” <em><a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/9217" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bugguide</a> also has this wonderful information: “Mating behavior: the male offers some kind of food (a dead insect or a piece of a brown salivary secretion that becomes gelatinous as it dries) and emits a pheromone (an air-borne chemical signal) from vesicles within the abdominal segment 9. A female is attracted to the pheromone or the food, whereupon the male grasps the end of her abdomen with the claw-like genital appendages (dististyles) and clamps the front edge of one of the female’s forewings in a structure on the mid-dorsal part of his abdominal segments 3 and 4 (the notal organ). Mating then takes place as the female feeds.(8)<br />
Adults may emit an unpleasant odor when molested.”</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/is-a-scorpion-fly-dangerous-uncovering-the-truth-about-this-intriguing-insect/">Is a Scorpion Fly Dangerous? Uncovering the Truth About This Intriguing Insect</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com">What's That Bug?</a>.</p>
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<title>Orbweaver Spiders: Your Go-To Resource for Successful Encounters</title>
<link>https://www.whatsthatbug.com/orbweaver-all-you-need-to-know-for-a-successful-spider-encounter/</link>
<comments>https://www.whatsthatbug.com/orbweaver-all-you-need-to-know-for-a-successful-spider-encounter/#comments</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Bugman]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2024 11:38:48 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Arachnida]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Araneae]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Orb Weaver Spiders]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.whatsthatbug.com/?p=114124</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Orbweaver spiders are a fascinating group of arachnids, known for their intricate, wheel-shaped webs and diverse appearance. They belong to the family Araneidae and can be found in various habitats such as gardens, forests, and meadows. Although they might appear intimidating, most orbweavers are harmless to humans and play a vital role in controlling insect ... <a title="Orbweaver Spiders: Your Go-To Resource for Successful Encounters" class="read-more" href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/orbweaver-all-you-need-to-know-for-a-successful-spider-encounter/" aria-label="Read more about Orbweaver Spiders: Your Go-To Resource for Successful Encounters">Read more</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/orbweaver-all-you-need-to-know-for-a-successful-spider-encounter/">Orbweaver Spiders: Your Go-To Resource for Successful Encounters</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com">What's That Bug?</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Orbweaver spiders are a fascinating group of arachnids, known for their intricate, wheel-shaped webs and diverse appearance. They belong to the family Araneidae and can be found in various habitats such as gardens, forests, and meadows. Although they might appear intimidating, most orbweavers are harmless to humans and play a vital role in controlling insect populations.</p>
<p>There are many different types of orbweaver spiders, each displaying unique features and behaviors. For example, the <a href="https://extension.psu.edu/cross-orbweaver-spider">Cross Orbweaver</a> has yellow to brown coloration with a distinctive cross-shaped pattern on its abdomen. In contrast, the <a href="https://education.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/furrow-orbweavers">Furrow Orbweaver</a> has a zigzag-edged pattern resembling a furrow or leaf. Meanwhile, the <a href="https://education.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/spotted-orbweavers">Spotted Orbweaver</a> showcases an upside-down spruce tree pattern on its abdomen. It’s important to pay attention to these details when trying to identify different species.</p>
<p>In addition to their captivating appearance, orbweavers are known for their remarkable engineering skills. They construct wheel-shaped webs from their silk, with radiating spokes and a spiral pattern. These impressive structures allow the spiders to catch a variety of flying insects as their primary food source.</p>
<h2>Orbweaver Basics</h2>
<h3>Physical Features</h3>
<p>Orbweaver spiders are known for their distinct appearance and colorful patterns. Some common features of orbweavers include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Large abdomens, which may overlap slightly with the cephalothorax <sup><a href="#user-content-fn-1%5E" id="user-content-fnref-1%5E" data-footnote-ref aria-describedby="footnote-label">1</a></sup></li>
<li>Sizes ranging from 9 to 20 millimeters in length, depending on the species <sup><a href="#user-content-fn-2%5E" id="user-content-fnref-2%5E" data-footnote-ref aria-describedby="footnote-label">2</a></sup></li>
<li>Eight legs, like all spiders</li>
<li>Variety of colors, including orange, yellow, and brown, with some having greenish-brown markings <sup><a href="#user-content-fn-3%5E" id="user-content-fnref-3%5E" data-footnote-ref aria-describedby="footnote-label">3</a></sup></li>
</ul>
<p>For example, the marbled orbweaver has a mostly orange abdomen with brown to purple markings and spots of pale yellow. Its cephalothorax is yellow to burnt-orange with a central dark line and dark lines down either side <sup><a href="#user-content-fn-2%5E" id="user-content-fnref-2%5E-2" data-footnote-ref aria-describedby="footnote-label">2</a></sup>.</p>
<h3>Species and Types</h3>
<p>Orbweaver spiders belong to two main families: Araneidae and Tetragnathidae. Some common examples include:</p>
<p><em>Araneidae:</em></p>
<ul>
<li>Neoscona species, with a slightly triangular-ovate abdomen and a pattern resembling an upside-down spruce tree <sup><a href="#user-content-fn-3%5E" id="user-content-fnref-3%5E-2" data-footnote-ref aria-describedby="footnote-label">3</a></sup></li>
<li>Neoscona arabesca, a common arabesque orbweaver</li>
</ul>
<p><em>Tetragnathidae:</em></p>
<ul>
<li>Orchard orbweavers, such as Leucauge argyrobapta and Leucauge venusta, which are small, attractive spiders found in the eastern U.S. <sup><a href="#user-content-fn-4%5E" id="user-content-fnref-4%5E" data-footnote-ref aria-describedby="footnote-label">4</a></sup></li>
</ul>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Family</th>
<th>Example Species</th>
<th>Size Range</th>
<th>Color & Patterns</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Araneidae</td>
<td>Neoscona species</td>
<td>9-20 mm</td>
<td>Triangular-ovate abdomen, spruce tree pattern</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tetragnathidae</td>
<td>Leucauge argyrobapta</td>
<td>Small</td>
<td>Attractive, diverse colors</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Orbweaver Habitats</h2>
<h3>Natural Habitats</h3>
<p>Orbweaver spiders can be found in a variety of natural habitats, such as:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Forests</strong>: These spiders are often found in wooded areas, building their webs among tree branches and bushes.</li>
<li><strong>Gardens</strong>: Orbweavers can also be found in gardens, where they take advantage of the numerous insects attracted to flowering plants.</li>
<li><strong>Tall grass</strong>: These spiders may build their webs in tall grasses, particularly in areas with high humidity.</li>
</ul>
<p>For example, the Orchard Orbweaver is commonly found in the <a href="https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/MISC/SPIDERS/Leucauge-argyrobapta.html">eastern United States</a>, while arrowhead spiders are <a href="https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/arrowhead-spider-triangle-orbweaver">widespread in Missouri</a>.</p>
<h3>Human Habitats</h3>
<p>Orbweavers can also be found in human-made habitats, such as:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Walls</strong>: These spiders can build their webs on walls, especially near outdoor lighting fixtures that attract insects.</li>
<li><strong>Eaves</strong>: Orbweavers are known to create webs in the eaves of buildings, taking advantage of the shelter provided by these structures.</li>
<li><strong>Bushes and branches near homes</strong>: They may build webs on bushes and branches close to human dwellings, where they can catch insects drawn to the area.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Comparison table of Orbweaver habitats:</strong></p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Habitat</th>
<th>Examples</th>
<th>Locations</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Natural</td>
<td>Forests, gardens, tall grass</td>
<td>United States, Canada</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Human-made</td>
<td>Walls, eaves, bushes near homes</td>
<td>Attached to homes and other human structures</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>In summary, Orbweaver spiders can be found in a wide range of habitats, both natural and human-made, across the United States and Canada. They are adaptable and can build their webs in various locations, making them a common sight in many environments.</p>
<h2>Orbweaver Behavior</h2>
<h3>Diet and Prey</h3>
<p>Orbweaver spiders primarily <strong>consume small insects</strong> such as:</p>
<ul>
<li>Flies</li>
<li>Mosquitoes</li>
<li>Moths</li>
<li>Beetles</li>
<li>Crickets</li>
</ul>
<p>They usually wait <strong>motionless</strong> in their webs, detecting <a href="https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/naturalist-news/2021-09-16-fall-spider-season-orb-weavers-spin-bigger-webs">vibrations</a> to catch their prey.</p>
<h3>Web Building</h3>
<p>Orbweavers are known for their intricate, spiral <strong>webs</strong>. Some features of orbweaver webs include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Symmetrical, wheel-shaped pattern</li>
<li>Sticky threads for trapping prey</li>
<li>Non-sticky radii for the spider to walk on</li>
</ul>
<p>These <a href="https://uwm.edu/field-station/big-orb-weaving-spiders/">webs</a> are usually constructed in gardens, fields, and forests.</p>
<h3>Mating Habits</h3>
<p>During mating, the male orbweaver <a href="https://extension.psu.edu/cross-orbweaver-spider">approaches</a> the female’s web carefully to avoid being mistaken for prey. Key aspects of their mating habits involve:</p>
<ul>
<li>Male plucks web strands to signal its presence</li>
<li>Female accepts or rejects male</li>
<li>Successful mating results in egg sacs</li>
<li>Spiderlings emerge from egg sacs</li>
</ul>
<p>Orbweaver spiders exhibit fascinating behaviors related to their diet, web-building, and mating patterns, making them intriguing arachnids to observe.</p>
<h2>Orbweaver Interaction with Humans</h2>
<h3>Benefits and Pest Control</h3>
<p>Orbweaver spiders provide significant ecological benefits, particularly in terms of pest control. These fascinating creatures help maintain a harmonious balance within ecosystems by preying on various insects. For example, Orbweavers can reduce the population of mosquitoes, flies, and other bothersome pests in your garden. This natural form of pest control reduces the need for harmful insecticides, creating a healthier environment for both humans and other organisms.</p>
<h3>Identifying and Prevention</h3>
<p>Orbweaver spiders are easily identified by their intricate webs, which consist of concentric circles and radial spokes. Female spiders tend to be much larger than males, often having orange abdomens with brown, purple, or yellow markings depending on the specific species (<a href="https://extension.psu.edu/marbled-orbweaver-spider">source</a>).</p>
<p>In order to minimize human interaction with Orbweavers and potential relocation efforts, consider the following preventative measures:</p>
<ul>
<li>Regularly inspect outdoor areas for web construction</li>
<li>Clear away vegetation near buildings to eliminate potential anchor points</li>
</ul>
<p>By following these guidelines, you are actively promoting a mutually beneficial relationship with Orbweavers and allowing them to perform their valuable pest control function without disturbance.</p>
<h2>Orbweaver Safety and Threat</h2>
<h3>Venom and Bites</h3>
<p>Orbweaver spiders, while venomous, are considered mostly harmless to humans. Their venom is effective against small insects but does not pose a significant risk to people. Some common symptoms of an orbweaver bite may include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Mild pain</li>
<li>Swelling</li>
<li>Redness</li>
</ul>
<p>If bitten, it is important to clean the bite area and monitor for signs of infection. Although extremely rare, allergic reactions to spider bites can occur. Seek medical attention if any severe symptoms develop.</p>
<h3>Aggressiveness and Threat</h3>
<p>Orbweavers are known for their docile and non-aggressive nature. They pose little to no threat to humans. Both male and female orbweavers tend to avoid confrontation and will only bite if they feel threatened or cornered. Some key points about their behavior:</p>
<ul>
<li>Orbweavers are more focused on catching prey in their webs than attacking humans.</li>
<li>Diurnal orbweavers are often brightly colored, serving as a warning to birds but not indicating aggressiveness toward people<sup><a href="#user-content-fn-1%5E" id="user-content-fnref-1%5E-2" data-footnote-ref aria-describedby="footnote-label">1</a></sup>.</li>
<li>They prefer gardens, fields, and forests, where they are less likely to encounter humans<sup><a href="#user-content-fn-2%5E" id="user-content-fnref-2%5E-3" data-footnote-ref aria-describedby="footnote-label">2</a></sup>.</li>
</ul>
<p>In conclusion, orbweaver spiders are generally non-threatening creatures that pose little risk to humans. Their venomous bites are usually harmless, and they exhibit docile behavior in their natural habitats.</p>
<h2>Orbweaver Species Highlights</h2>
<h3>Golden Orb Weaver</h3>
<p>The Golden Orb Weaver is known for its <strong>large size</strong> and <strong>striking appearance</strong>. These spiders are found in a variety of habitats, including <strong>tall grass</strong> and <strong>tree branches</strong>. They construct <strong>intricate webs</strong> to capture their prey.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Size</strong>: Females are larger, measuring up to 4 inches (10 cm) in leg span, while males are much smaller at around 0.11 inches (3 mm)</li>
<li><strong>Color</strong>: Golden to reddish brown, with legs featuring bands of black and yellow</li>
<li><strong>Webs</strong>: Spiral-shaped with a golden sheen and very strong to catch large prey</li>
</ul>
<h3>Yellow Garden Spider</h3>
<p><a href="https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/angulate-roundshouldered-orbweavers">Yellow Garden Spiders</a> are easily recognized by their distinctive black and yellow markings. They are found in a variety of habitats and prefer sunny spots near flowers and plants. Their intricate webs span long distances.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Size</strong>: Females grow up to 1.1 inch (28 mm) in body length; males are smaller, reaching up to 0.35 inch (9 mm)</li>
<li><strong>Eggs</strong>: Females lay their eggs in a protective egg sac, ensuring the survival of their offspring</li>
<li><strong>Defense</strong>: When threatened, they shake or bounce on their webs to deter predators</li>
</ul>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Comparison Table</th>
<th>Orb Weaver Spiders</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Golden Orb Weaver</strong></td>
<td><strong>Yellow Garden Spider</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Large size</td>
<td>Smaller size</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Golden to reddish-brown color</td>
<td>Yellow and black markings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Strong golden webs</td>
<td>Intricate webs with long spans</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Spiny Orb Weaver Spider</h3>
<p>The <a href="https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/featherlegged-orbweaver">Spiny Orb Weaver Spider</a> is a small, colorful spider with spines on its abdomen. These spiders are highly adaptable and can be found in a range of habitats.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Size</strong>: Females measure around 0.16 inch (4 mm) in body length; males are slightly smaller</li>
<li><strong>Color</strong>: Red, white, or yellow, with black patterns and spines</li>
<li><strong>Life cycle</strong>: Adults live for around 1 year, with females laying eggs in protective egg sacs</li>
</ul>
<p>In conclusion, Orbweaver spiders are a diverse and fascinating group of spiders. Their unique features and behaviors make them an interesting subject for study. Remember to observe these spiders from a safe distance and appreciate the beauty and complexity of their webs.</p>
<h2>Miscellaneous Orbweaver Facts</h2>
<h3>Notable Interactions with Other Species</h3>
<p>Orbweaver spiders, like most arthropods, interact with various species within their ecosystems. Some of these interactions include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Humidity</strong>: These spiders thrive in environments with higher levels of humidity, impacting their natural habitat.</li>
<li><strong>Nocturnal</strong>: Orbweavers are often nocturnal, meaning they are more active during the night, which affects their interactions with other nocturnal species such as frogs and hummingbirds.</li>
<li><strong>Frogs</strong>: Frogs may prey on orbweavers, especially when both species share the same natural habitat.</li>
<li><strong>Ants</strong>: Ants are known to disrupt orbweaver webs and may even consume the spiders themselves in some cases.</li>
<li><strong>Butterflies</strong>: Orbweavers prey on various insects, including butterflies, and may have a significant impact on their populations.</li>
<li><strong>Roaches</strong>: Roaches may also be potential prey for orbweavers.</li>
<li><strong>Weeds</strong>: By preying on insects that feed on plants, orbweavers help in controlling weed populations.</li>
</ul>
<p>Orbweavers display a range of physical features, which vary depending on the species. Some common characteristics include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Large, rounded abdomens with unique patterns and coloration</li>
<li>Long, spindly legs with spines</li>
<li>Elaborate, intricate webs</li>
</ul>
<p>These spiders can be found in various natural habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. They may also be present in human habitation, such as gardens and parks. One example of an orbweaver species is the <a href="https://extension.psu.edu/marbled-orbweaver-spider">marbled orbweaver spider</a>, which has a mostly orange abdomen with brown to purple markings and spots of pale yellow. Another example is the <a href="https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/MISC/SPIDERS/Leucauge-argyrobapta.html">orchard orbweaver</a>, which is a small, attractive spider commonly found in the eastern U.S.</p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Species</th>
<th>Habitat</th>
<th>Physical Features</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Marbled Orbweaver</td>
<td>Forests, meadows</td>
<td>Large orange abdomen with brown markings</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Orchard Orbweaver</td>
<td>Forests, gardens</td>
<td>Small, slender body with bright coloration and markings</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Cannibalism is not uncommon among orbweavers, particularly when resources are scarce. This is especially true for spiny orbweavers, a specific group of orbweavers with prominent spiny projections on their abdomen.</p>
<p>In conclusion, orbweaver spiders are a diverse group of arthropods that interact with various other species in their ecosystems. They play vital roles in controlling insect populations and serve as an important part of the food chain.</p>
<section data-footnotes class="footnotes">
<h2 class="sr-only" id="footnote-label">Footnotes</h2>
<ol>
<li id="user-content-fn-1%5E"><a href="https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/naturalist-news/2021-09-16-fall-spider-season-orb-weavers-spin-bigger-webs">https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/naturalist-news/2021-09-16-fall-spider-season-orb-weavers-spin-bigger-webs</a> <a href="#user-content-fnref-1%5E" data-footnote-backref class="data-footnote-backref" aria-label="Back to content">↩</a> <a href="#user-content-fnref-1%5E-2" data-footnote-backref class="data-footnote-backref" aria-label="Back to content">↩<sup>2</sup></a></li>
<li id="user-content-fn-2%5E"><a href="https://extension.psu.edu/marbled-orbweaver-spider">https://extension.psu.edu/marbled-orbweaver-spider</a> <a href="#user-content-fnref-2%5E" data-footnote-backref class="data-footnote-backref" aria-label="Back to content">↩</a> <a href="#user-content-fnref-2%5E-2" data-footnote-backref class="data-footnote-backref" aria-label="Back to content">↩<sup>2</sup></a> <a href="#user-content-fnref-2%5E-3" data-footnote-backref class="data-footnote-backref" aria-label="Back to content">↩<sup>3</sup></a></li>
<li id="user-content-fn-3%5E"><a href="https://education.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/spotted-orbweavers">https://education.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/spotted-orbweavers</a> <a href="#user-content-fnref-3%5E" data-footnote-backref class="data-footnote-backref" aria-label="Back to content">↩</a> <a href="#user-content-fnref-3%5E-2" data-footnote-backref class="data-footnote-backref" aria-label="Back to content">↩<sup>2</sup></a></li>
<li id="user-content-fn-4%5E"><a href="https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/MISC/SPIDERS/Leucauge-argyrobapta.html">https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/MISC/SPIDERS/Leucauge-argyrobapta.html</a> <a href="#user-content-fnref-4%5E" data-footnote-backref class="data-footnote-backref" aria-label="Back to content">↩</a></li>
</ol>
</section>
<h2>Reader Emails</h2>
<p>Over the years, our website, <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/">whatsthatbug.com</a> has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about these insects. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.</p>
<h3>Letter 1 – Spider Fights in the Philippines</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="199" height="300" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/spider_fight_philippines-199x300.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />PHILIPPINE SPIDERS<br />
Location: philippines<br />
November 8, 2010 5:10 am<br />
Hi bugman!<br />
im from philippines..here on our country,some people catch spiders in the shrubs and trees.then they put two spiders in a stick and let them fight each other.i wonder what kind of spiders they are.please help me…thank you..<br />
Signature: correct</p>
<figure id="attachment_29956" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-29956" style="width: 189px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/spider_fight_philippines.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-29956" title="spider_fight_philippines" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/spider_fight_philippines-199x300.jpg" alt="" width="199" height="300" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-29956" class="wp-caption-text">Spider Fight</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Dear Correct,<br />
We are curious about this custom. Is this just casual behavior? or is it more organized? Do people bet on the outcome like cock fights or Siamese fighting fish matches? Are there spider champions? Please provide us with additional information. The spiders in the tiny images you have attached appear to be Orbweavers.</em></p>
<figure id="attachment_29957" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-29957" style="width: 249px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><em> </em><em><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/orbweaver_philippines.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-29957" title="orbweaver_philippines" src="/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/orbweaver_philippines.jpg" alt="" width="259" height="194" /></a></em><figcaption id="caption-attachment-29957" class="wp-caption-text">Orbweaver</figcaption></figure>
<p><em><strong>Ed. Note: WTB? does not endorse Spider Fighting, but in the interest of documenting this custom, we are including the following links.<br />
</strong>Not content to wait for additional information, we did some web searching. Here is a 1998 article posted on <a href="http://arachnophiliac.info/burrow/news/spider_fighting.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arachnophiliac</a>. We also found a Philippine Spider fighting blog post <a href="http://webearnings.blogspot.com/2006/04/philippine-spider-fighting.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">blogspot</a> though it contains much of the same information used on the earlier post. <a href="http://www.guideto.com/science-nature/life-science/animals/spider-fighting/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Guide To</a> also has a posting on Spider fighting. Finally <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/philippine-spider-fighting" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hub Pages</a> also has a Spider fight account.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 2 – Probably Teardrop Spider from New Zealand</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="800" height="550" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/spider_new_zealand_liam.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/spider_new_zealand_liam.jpg 800w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/spider_new_zealand_liam-300x206.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />Subject: Unknown Spider<br />
Location: Auckland, New Zealand<br />
January 18, 2015 3:47 pm<br />
Hi there!<br />
Recently found this little interesting spider in our bathroom down in New Zealand, just thought we’d post it up here for a bit of insight as none of us have a clue<br />
Cheers’<br />
Liam<br />
Signature: Cheers’ Liam O’Connor</p>
<figure id="attachment_78006" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-78006" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/spider_new_zealand_liam.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-78006" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/spider_new_zealand_liam-300x206.jpg" alt="Possibly Orbweaver" width="300" height="206" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/spider_new_zealand_liam-300x206.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/spider_new_zealand_liam.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-78006" class="wp-caption-text">Teardrop Spider</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Dear Liam,<br />
We believe this is an Orbweaver in the family Araneidae, and it has a very distinct, pointed abdomen. The pointy abdomen should make it easy to identify, but we could not find any matching images in our initial search. There is a genus in Australia on the <a href="http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_weavers/ScorpionTailedSpider.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brisbane Insect</a> site with a species known as the <a href="https://whatsthatbug.com/scorpion-tailed-spider-from-australia/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Scorpion Tailed Spider</a>, but it has much shorter legs than your individual.</em></p>
<figure id="attachment_78007" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-78007" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/spider_new_zealand_liam_2.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-78007" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/spider_new_zealand_liam_2-300x206.jpg" alt="Possibly Orbweaver" width="300" height="206" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/spider_new_zealand_liam_2-300x206.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/spider_new_zealand_liam_2.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-78007" class="wp-caption-text">Teardrop Spider</figcaption></figure>
<p><em><strong>Update: March 7, 2016<br />
</strong>Thanks to a comment from Geevee, we now believe this may be a Teardrop Spider, </em>Argiope protensa<em>.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 3 – Probably Tropical Orbweaver</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="300" height="183" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/araneus_detrimentosus_cristi-300x183.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />Orange and Green Spider<br />
October 11, 2009<br />
I found this spider ON MY 8 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER! I have seen similar spiders outside our home at night but without the green diamond on the body. I live in Miami, Florida, USA. Please identify this spider so I can either find an exterminator or leave my worries behind!<br />
Cristi Cuadrado<br />
Miami, Florida, USA</p>
<figure id="attachment_21412" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-21412" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads//2009/10/araneus_detrimentosus_cristi.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-21412" title="araneus_detrimentosus_cristi" alt="Orbweaver: Araneus detrimentosus" src="/wp-content/uploads//2009/10/araneus_detrimentosus_cristi-300x183.jpg" width="300" height="183" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-21412" class="wp-caption-text">Orbweaver: Araneus detrimentosus</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Hi Cristi,<br />
We quickly identified your spider as Araneus detrimentosus, a harmless Orbweaver, on <a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/265255" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BugGuide</a>. While we would hesitate to claim that this spider will never bite, we have not gotten any reports of anyone being bitten by a member of the genus Araneus. If the spider was on your daughter, it was undoubtedly a chance encounter. We would not trouble with an exterminator in this instance, and we truly believe that exposure to pesticides at a tender age would be far more detrimental to your daughter than facing the extremely unlikely odds that this spider, which is not very well represented in images and is probably not terribly common, will bite your daughter or a member of the family.</em></p>
<p><em><strong>Probable Correction: July 26,</strong> 2013<br />
One of our readers wrote in believing this might be a Tropical Orbweaver, </em>Eriophora ravilla<em>. This seems to be a highly variable spider according to the <a href="http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/spiders/tropical_orb_weaver.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Featured Creatures</a> website, and the green form looks very much like the submitted photograph. <a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/708307/bgimage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BugGuide</a> also has the occasional photograph of a green individual.<br />
</em></p>
<h3>Letter 4 – Long Jawed Orbweaver</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="300" height="217" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/orchard_spider_jacquelyn-300x217.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />Green mystery spider<br />
Location: Garrison, NY<br />
April 6, 2012 2:35 pm<br />
I noticed this pretty and sleek green spider yesterday on a dry canoe by the brook where I work. It is part of a marsh sanctuary, and the canoe is on land near tree cover. Season: spring, time: 3:30 pm. My boss thinks it is a different species of Green Lynx (than most photos show).<br />
Signature: Jacquelyn</p>
<figure id="attachment_47352" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-47352" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/orchard_spider_jacquelyn.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-47352" title="orchard_spider_jacquelyn" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/orchard_spider_jacquelyn-300x217.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="217" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-47352" class="wp-caption-text">Long Jawed Orbweaver</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Hi Jacquelyn,<br />
This is most certainly not a Green Lynx Spider. We believe it may be an Orchard Spider, though there is more green and less white on the abdomen of your specimen than most of the photos posted to <a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/1998" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BugGuide</a>. Perhaps one of our readers will be able to write in with a correction if that is not the right identification.</em></p>
<p>Thanks for the feedback, Daniel! I saw the Orchard Spider, and they are beautiful. I thought mine had a thinner abdomen, but perhaps it is a less common variation.</p>
<h3>Letter 5 – Newly Hatched Orbweavers</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="216" height="162" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/hatched_orbweavers.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />baby orb spiders?<br />
Hi! I live in the mountains of NC and just found these spiders this morning in/on an abandoned ash tray on my porch. They look like baby orb spiders, after searching your site and finding a similar picture. Enjoy!<br />
Alisa</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="/images/hatched_orbweavers.jpg" width="216" height="162"/><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="/images/hatched_orbweavers_cu.jpg" width="216" height="162"/></p>
<p><em>Hi Alisa,<br />
We are inclined to agree with your identification. Shortly after you took the photo, the spiders probably climbed to the tallest nearby area and released silk to balloon away in the breeze.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 6 – Orange Orb Weaver</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="216" height="304" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/araneus_orange.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/araneus_orange.jpg 216w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/araneus_orange-213x300.jpg 213w" sizes="(max-width: 216px) 100vw, 216px" />Do you know what kind of spider this is?<br />
Hi. I believe I sent you a picture of a spider before. This one was found out in the Conservation District Parking Lot. I thought it may be some kind of Orb Weaver but it’s hard to say. Please let me know what you think.<br />
Thank You,<br />
Cathy Hilscher<br />
Watershed Specialist<br />
Tunkhannock, PA</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="/images/araneus_orange.jpg" width="216" height="304"/></p>
<p><em>Hi Cathy,<br />
This is an Araneus Orb Weaver. There is much color variation within species and many species look similar and require anatomical examination to differentiate them. It is a lovely orange specimen.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 7 – Orb Weaver</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="216" height="258" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/orb_weaver_bill.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />Orb Weaving Spider<br />
Mr. Bugman<br />
I found this spider in a web in our window well. Do you have an idea of what’s its identity is?<br />
Regards,<br />
Bill</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="/images/orb_weaver_bill.jpg" width="216" height="258"/></p>
<p><em>Hi Bill,<br />
You are correct, it is an Orb Weaver.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 8 – Orb Weaver</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="216" height="290" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/araneus_cyndi.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />Help – what is this spider????<br />
I live in Oak View, California (near Ventura). This guy (girl) is outside my house. About an inch or so long with a big web – hides during the day and sits in the middle of the web at night…. we named him "Peter Parker" – any ideas?<br />
Thanks, Bugman!<br />
Cyndi</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="/images/araneus_cyndi.jpg" width="216" height="290"/></p>
<p><em>Hi Cyndi,<br />
You might want to rename Peter as Petra. She is a female Orb Weaver, genus Araneus.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 9 – Orb Weaver</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="300" height="294" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/orb_web_dave-300x294.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />Sun on Web in Trees<br />
Don’t need the bug identified…just wanted to give you the gift of this beautiful production. Thanks for all you do. Enjoyed by many.<br />
Seattle,WA<br />
Dave Wave</p>
<figure id="attachment_11338" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-11338" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads//2008/09/orb_web_dave.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-11338" title="Orb Weaver's Web" src="/wp-content/uploads//2008/09/orb_web_dave-300x294.jpg" alt="Orb Weaver's Web" width="300" height="294" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-11338" class="wp-caption-text">Orb Weaver</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Hi Dave,<br />
Your photo of an Orb Weaver’s Web is sure beautiful. It is a nice addition to our archives.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 10 – Probably Orb Weaver Spiderlings</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="216" height="288" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/spiderlings_gemma.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />what spider are these spiderlings?<br />
hello bugpeople!<br />
today in my garden i noticed a cluster of spiderlings. theyre all yellow and i havent counted them! attach two images so hope they come out ok. i live in morden, surrey united kingdom. would be interesting to know what species they are. havent seen mummy spider either. i detest spiders but these guys are cute so i’ll leave them be and keep a watchful eye on them to see how they progress.<br />
cheers<br />
Gemma<br />
p.s. would be great if you could inform me when they have been identified via email and i dont visit whats that bug on a daily basis.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="/images/spiderlings_gemma.jpg" width="216" height="288"/></p>
<p><em>Hi Gemma,<br />
Though we can’t imagine why you don’t visit our site on a daily basis, we generally respond directly to the querant as well as posting a reply. We can only post the most interesting letters with the best images, or the most unusual specimens. We believe these are young Orb Weavers, though we cannot even begin to give you an exact species. Possibly Cross Spiders. They probably dispersed by ballooning shortly after you took the photo.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 11 – Messy Leaf Curling Spider</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="800" height="550" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/messy_leaf_curling_spider_australia_ben.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/messy_leaf_curling_spider_australia_ben.jpg 800w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/messy_leaf_curling_spider_australia_ben-300x206.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />Subject: Yellow striped spider<br />
Location: North Tamborine, Queensland Australia<br />
January 11, 2014 8:44 pm<br />
Hi bug an, can you tell me what spider this is. A simple search of “yellow striped spider” yielded nothing.<br />
Thanks<br />
Ben<br />
Signature: Thanks Ben</p>
<figure id="attachment_72412" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-72412" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/messy_leaf_curling_spider_australia_ben.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-72412" alt="Messy Leaf Curling Spider" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/messy_leaf_curling_spider_australia_ben-300x206.jpg" width="300" height="206" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/messy_leaf_curling_spider_australia_ben-300x206.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/messy_leaf_curling_spider_australia_ben.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-72412" class="wp-caption-text">Messy Leaf Curling Spider</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Hi Ben,<br />
We figured this might be an Orbweaver in the family Araneidae, so we browsed through the family on the <a href="http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_orbweavers/index.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brisbane Insect and Spider</a> site and quickly located the <a href="http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_orbweavers/MessLeafCurlingSpider.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Messy Leaf Curling Spider</a>,</em> Deliochus zelivira,<em> which though the stripes on the individual pictured are white, otherwise resembles your spider. The description fits as well stating: “This spider builds large messy retreat by curling a few green and dry leaves bound together by silks. Male and female can be found in the same retreat during breeding season. Males of this species are more often seen because they wandering around looking for females. Matured females are in the messy large retreat and hardly be seen.” Armed with a scientific name, we then located the <a href="http://ednieuw.home.xs4all.nl/australian/tetragnathidae/tetragnathidae.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spiders of Australia</a> website that pictures a yellow striped individual, but the family is indicated as Tetragnathidae, the Long-Jawed Orbweavers. <a href="http://arachne.org.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=1791" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arachne.org.au</a> utilizes the same image and explains the taxonomy confusion by indicating: “</em>Deliochus zelivira<em>, probably the most common of the </em>Deliochus<em> spp., found throughout Australia, appears to have been moved to Tetragnathidae then back to Araneidae. The female can grow to 11 mm, the male 5 mm. They construct a retreat of eucalypt leaves. ” <a href="http://davesgarden.com/guides/bf/showimage/13311/#b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dave’s Garden</a> also has a photo. All indications are that your individual is a male. </em></p>
<h3>Letter 12 – Possibly Spined Orbweaver frow parts unknown</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="216" height="346" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/micrathena_francisco.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/micrathena_francisco.jpg 216w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/micrathena_francisco-187x300.jpg 187w" sizes="(max-width: 216px) 100vw, 216px" />Strange spider<br />
I was wondering if you could help me identify this spider. A friend of mine shot it while on a trip and shared this photo with me.<br />
Francisco</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="/images/micrathena_francisco.jpg" width="216" height="346"/></p>
<p><em>Hi Francisco,<br />
We have been known to ignore identification requests that do not include location information, but your spider is so interesting, we are posting despite not knowing where it is from. We suspect it is in the genus <a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/1979/bgpage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Micrathena</a>. It matches a photo of Micrathena gracilis, the Spined Orbweaver, we located on<a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/150472/bgpage" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Bugguide</a> quite closely.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 13 – Immature Orbweaver</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="800" height="550" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/orbweaver_indiana_cu.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/orbweaver_indiana_cu.jpg 800w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/orbweaver_indiana_cu-300x206.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/orbweaver_indiana_cu-768x528.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />Subject: Seen hiking<br />
Geographic location of the bug: On the hike to Jump Creek, outside Marsing, ID<br />
Date: <span class="aBn" tabindex="0" data-term="goog_1251581645"><span class="aQJ">07/13/2018</span></span><br />
Time: <span class="aBn" tabindex="0" data-term="goog_1251581646"><span class="aQJ">07:59 PM EDT</span></span><br />
Your letter to the bugman: Saw this spider on it’s web over a creek, interested in what it is?<br />
How you want your letter signed: Thanks!!</p>
<figure id="attachment_94736" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-94736" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/orbweaver_indiana_cu.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-94736" src="/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/orbweaver_indiana_cu-300x206.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="206" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/orbweaver_indiana_cu-300x206.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/orbweaver_indiana_cu-768x528.jpg 768w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/orbweaver_indiana_cu.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-94736" class="wp-caption-text">Orbweaver</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Your Spider is an Orbweaver in the family Araneidae, and we believe it is an immature member of the genus </em>Argiope<em>, but we cannot be certain from this ventral view. Orbweavers are not dangerous to humans.</em></p>
<figure id="attachment_94737" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-94737" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/orbweaver_indiana.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-94737" src="/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/orbweaver_indiana-300x206.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="206" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/orbweaver_indiana-300x206.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/orbweaver_indiana-768x528.jpg 768w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/orbweaver_indiana.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-94737" class="wp-caption-text">Orbweaver</figcaption></figure>
<h3>Letter 14 – Indigenous Hawaiian Orbweaver</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="800" height="550" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/argiope_avara_kauaiensis_malcolm.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/argiope_avara_kauaiensis_malcolm.jpg 800w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/argiope_avara_kauaiensis_malcolm-300x206.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/argiope_avara_kauaiensis_malcolm-768x528.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />Subject: BIG spider on Kauai!<br />
Location: Powerline Trail, Kauai.<br />
July 31, 2017 5:29 pm<br />
Hi again, here are the photos of the large web spider I saw on Kauai about three weeks ago (see my previous post). It sounds as if it’s similar to the ones that other contributors have seen.<br />
Signature: Malcolm</p>
<figure id="attachment_90276" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-90276" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/argiope_kauai_malcolm.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-90276" src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/argiope_kauai_malcolm-300x228.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="228" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/argiope_kauai_malcolm-300x228.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/argiope_kauai_malcolm.jpg 725w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-90276" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Argiope avara kauaiensis</em></figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Dear Malcolm,<br />
Thanks for sending your images of </em><a href="https://whatsthatbug.com/hawaiian-argiope/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Argiope avara kauaiensis</a>, <em>an indigenous harmless, Orbweaver from Kauai. Thank you for your description of the size of the web in the comment you made: “I have just returned from Kauai where I saw a huge spider that looked like this. It was at the highest elevation of the Powerline Trail, in a seldom visited area. The spider was enormous, and it was sitting in a web between two trees that must have been at least 25 feet apart. It was the biggest web spider I have ever seen. I have a photo, taken on an overcast day and using a zoom (I didn’t want to get too close!), but I’m having some trouble attaching it.”</em></p>
<figure id="attachment_90275" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-90275" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/argiope_avara_kauaiensis_malcolm.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-90275" src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/argiope_avara_kauaiensis_malcolm-300x206.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="206" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/argiope_avara_kauaiensis_malcolm-300x206.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/argiope_avara_kauaiensis_malcolm-768x528.jpg 768w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/argiope_avara_kauaiensis_malcolm.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-90275" class="wp-caption-text"><em>Argiope avara kauaiensis</em></figcaption></figure>
<p><em><br />
</em></p>
<h3>Letter 15 – Knobbled Orbweaver from New Zealand</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="719" height="550" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/orbweaver_eriophora_pustulosa_new_zealand_raewyn.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/orbweaver_eriophora_pustulosa_new_zealand_raewyn.jpg 719w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/orbweaver_eriophora_pustulosa_new_zealand_raewyn-300x229.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 719px) 100vw, 719px" />Subject: New Zealand Garden Orb Weaver spider, Eriophora pustulosa<br />
Location: Wellington, NZ<br />
October 12, 2013 5:40 pm<br />
Hi Bugman<br />
I was searching to identify the spider in the photo and found the answer on this site – thank you! Sorry this is in wrong section (should be I general comments!) but I wanted to share the photo!<br />
Cheers<br />
Signature: Raewyn</p>
<figure id="attachment_70958" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-70958" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/orbweaver_eriophora_pustulosa_new_zealand_raewyn.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-70958" alt="Orbweaver" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/orbweaver_eriophora_pustulosa_new_zealand_raewyn-300x229.jpg" width="300" height="229" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/orbweaver_eriophora_pustulosa_new_zealand_raewyn-300x229.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/orbweaver_eriophora_pustulosa_new_zealand_raewyn.jpg 719w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-70958" class="wp-caption-text">Knobbled Orbweaver</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Hi Raewyn,<br />
Thank you for locating a<a href="https://whatsthatbug.com/unknown-orb-weaver-from-new-zealand-identified-as-eriophora-pustulosa/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> link in our archives</a> that identifies your Orbweaver. We do need to provide a disclaimer that though we agree that this is an Orbweaver in the family Araneidae, we cannot confirm with 100% certainty that the species is </em>Eriophora pustulosa<em> as it is a highly variable species. <a href="http://arachne.org.au/01_cms/details.asp?ID=2511" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Arachne.org.au</a>, where </em>Eriophora pustulosa<em> is known as the Knobbled Orbweaver, states it is: “An extremely widespread, medium-sized orbweaver across most of southern Australia and nearby places including New Zealand where it is one of the most commonly seen spiders. Its pattern varies enormously in colour from greys, black, white, browns and oranges, often mottled. It has several obvious knobs on its back, or upper surface of the abdomen, usually five at the rear end near the spinnerets.”</em></p>
<h3>Letter 16 – Male Orbweaver</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="795" height="550" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/male_orbweaver_eli.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/male_orbweaver_eli.jpg 795w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/male_orbweaver_eli-300x208.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/male_orbweaver_eli-768x531.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 795px) 100vw, 795px" />Subject: Minnesota spider with “v” markings?<br />
Geographic location of the bug: Hennepin County, Minnesota<br />
Date: 10/10/2017<br />
Time: <span class="aBn" tabindex="0" data-term="goog_919072010"><span class="aQJ">05:37 PM EDT</span></span><br />
I found this spider on a building next to the Mississippi River in early October. I thought identifying it would be easy because of the clear “v” markings on the abdomen and thorax and large pedipalps, but I can’t find it anywhere! It ran away before I could get a picture of its eye arrangement, but I estimate it was about 1.5-1.75 inches long (including legs).<br />
How you want your letter signed: Eli</p>
<figure id="attachment_92388" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-92388" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/male_orbweaver_eli.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-92388" src="/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/male_orbweaver_eli-300x208.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="208" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/male_orbweaver_eli-300x208.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/male_orbweaver_eli-768x531.jpg 768w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/male_orbweaver_eli.jpg 795w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-92388" class="wp-caption-text">Male Orbweaver</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Dear Eli,<br />
This looks to us like a male Orbweaver, probably in the genus </em>Araneus<em>. It looks similar to the male Barn Spider posted to <a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/732980" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BugGuide</a>. </em></p>
<h3>Letter 17 – Nocturnal Orbweaver is probably Bridge Spider</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="300" height="211" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/orbweaver_germany-300x211.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />Subject: Walnut Orb Weaver (Night Euro Garden Spider)<br />
Location: Dresden, Germany<br />
November 15, 2012 8:05 am<br />
Hi!<br />
I couldn’t find this spider on your site so thought I would share my pictures even though they are not all that good.<br />
I thought at first this spider is the nighttime version of what is commonly called the European Garden Spider (which despite the name is common to the Americas).<br />
When I first became interested in spiders (which would develop into a fascination) my main observations were in the back patio of the apartment we had in Oregon. There were a couple varieties of large spiders but the ones visible during the day were often on the plants while the night ones were near the porch light (I would often turn it on so they could attract more food). They were very similar to each other but different. And while they both seemed docile (though quite efficient with their prey), the evening ones seemed bolder & more impressive somehow (though always hidden during the day). Sadly I didn’t even have a camera then.<br />
Eventually I discovered the daytime ones are Cross spiders (apparently not to be confused with the St Andrew’s Cross Spider) because of the markings on their back (abdomen?). They are fun to watch as they get bigger and bigger. They actually become matriarchs with big webs that they will clean of debris and carcasses. It’s fun to see them become so big then almost deflate after they make their eggcase(s). It’s sad though when they disappear because that means they have likely died. They will occasionally end up on a person, or in a house (having likely hitched a ride when someone walks through one of their homes) and will build a web inside, in the same place over and over if allowed, but are easy to relocate outside being very passive. Also interesting to watch the courtship as they pluck web strings to decide whether to come closer. Oh, but you know all this. 😀<br />
But, the night ones remained elusive for me. So of all things, one I was most looking forward to in Europe was seeing spiders! 😀<br />
I was strolling alone in Dresden waiting for my SO to get out of a meeting (mid-September) when I saw a large spider moving against the wall near a restaurant. I was thrilled the restaurant let them be instead of cleaning them off which was apparent since there were several of many sizes. And so I stood observing and trying to capture them with my little snap camera (meaning the pics are not that good but it was also night — no doubt all the other tourists thought I was crazy taking close-up pictures of a white wall :D). What most interested me is that the males seem to be as big or bigger than the females and they live close to each other. But also how different the spiders seem whether viewed from top or below. It’s only the shadow of the female that made me realize they are the same.<br />
Alas, these must not be the nighttime spiders common in the NW of the US as these, it turns out, are the Walnut Orb Weaver aka Nuctenea umbratica, which is commonly called ”Spaltenkreuzspinne” in Germany (Columns Cross/Garden Spider), and these are mainly a European species (though widespread), that does sometimes bite (though that is not common). These have dimples in their abdomens that are apparently muscles to allow them to flatten against things when hiding during the day. Cool!<br />
So… my question to you then is; what is the night version of the common European Garden Spider found in the States that often hangs out near porch lights?<br />
(ps, thank you for putting my wasp pics up; that was a nice surprise… I have more bugs to share/ask about and hope that is okay)<br />
Signature: Curious Girl</p>
<figure id="attachment_51580" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-51580" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/orbweaver_germany.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-51580" title="orbweaver_germany" alt="" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/orbweaver_germany-300x211.jpg" width="300" height="211" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-51580" class="wp-caption-text">Orbweaver</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Dear Curious Girl,<br />
We are not certain of the genus or species of this German Orbweaver, but we can speculate that most likely your nocturnal Orbweaver from Oregon is in the genus </em>Neoscona. <em>According to <a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/28154" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BugGuide</a>: “</em>N. crucifera<em> & </em>N. domiciliorum<em>build thier webs at dusk and then take the webs back down around dawn. (Kaston 1976).” </em></p>
<figure id="attachment_51581" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-51581" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/orbweaver_germany_2.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-51581" title="orbweaver_germany_2" alt="" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/orbweaver_germany_2-300x221.jpg" width="300" height="221" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-51581" class="wp-caption-text">Orbweaver</figcaption></figure>
<p>Oh, you are VERY GOOD!<br />
That’s the one! 🙂<br />
Barn Spider!<br />
Yay!</p>
<p> </p>
<h3>Letter 18 – Questions about Orbweavers</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="383" height="550" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/argiope_aurantia_dlhickory.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/argiope_aurantia_dlhickory.jpg 383w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/argiope_aurantia_dlhickory-208x300.jpg 208w" sizes="(max-width: 383px) 100vw, 383px" />Subject: Argiope Aurantia – Question about Life Cycle<br />
October 23, 2014 11:37 am<br />
Dear Bugman and friends,<br />
We have been lucky to have had three yellow garden spiders in our yard this year build webs where we could easily observe them. Our family watched all three build daily webs, eat, and grow for a few weeks. One spider got very large (in our opinion), perhaps a body of about an inch, not counting her legs. The other two were a bit smaller than that. One seemed to have a mate after some time, a little fellow that hung out on the edge of her web and crept closer over time (although we don’t know if there was ever any “action”). They all followed the same pattern, web building, eating, growing, and then disappearing. We are wondering if you could tell us why they just disappear…They are around for 2-3 weeks. The first one who disappeared possibly did not get enough to eat at the end; however, we did feed her a few flies the night before she disappeared, which she declined to eat (although she had eaten other flies we had gotten her previously). The other ate a really great meal one day,<br />
at least 3-4 decent sized bugs (in fact, she had another bug caught in her web that she didn’t get to), and then disappeared two days later. What we noticed on the two we were able to observe closely is that they ate fine one day, but didn’t rebuild their webs that night, hung around kind of crooked the following day, and then were gone the next day. We were just wondering if you could let us know if this is typical for their life cycle. It did not get cold, it seemed like they had enough to eat, we didn’t see a dead spider on the ground under the web, no one walked into the webs, two were high enough that the only predators would possibly be birds (but one was right up against our window so it seems like it would have been very hard for a bird to get her without smacking against the glass). We got attached to all three, which may sound silly, and were really sad when they disappeared. So, I thought I would write you to find out if you could offer any insight. I know you are busy,<br />
but just wanted to try. Any thoughts you have would be greatly appreciated. We have looked online and have been unable to find anything ourselves. Thanks again in advance.<br />
Linda, Steve, and Gage<br />
Signature: Linda Vincent</p>
<figure id="attachment_77179" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-77179" style="width: 198px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/argiope_aurantia_dlhickory.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-77179" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/argiope_aurantia_dlhickory-208x300.jpg" alt="Golden Orbweaver from our Archives" width="208" height="300" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/argiope_aurantia_dlhickory-208x300.jpg 208w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/argiope_aurantia_dlhickory.jpg 383w" sizes="(max-width: 208px) 100vw, 208px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-77179" class="wp-caption-text">Golden Orbweaver from our <a href="https://whatsthatbug.com/golden-orbweaver-4/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Archives</a></figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Dear Linda, Steve and Gage,<br />
Sadly, we don’t know what happened to your Golden Orbweavers. We have had similar experiences with individuals in our own Los Angeles garden. They seem to just vanish one day. The life cycle of Golden Orbweavers is a single season, and even if the weather if fine, it is still nearing the end of the year. Perhaps one of our readers will be able to provide you with some information.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 19 – Silk Shawl in New York Times</h3>
<p> </p>
<p>At the American Museum of Natural History, Gossamer Silk From Spiders – NYTimes.com<br />
January 24, 2011<br />
Because of my interest in arthropods, my daughter sent me this link. I thought you’d love to link to it on your site! There is a nice photo of Golden Orb Weavers from Madagascar, too.<br />
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/23/arts/design/23spiders.html?_r=2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/23/arts/design/23spiders.html?_r=2</a></p>
<p><em>Thanks. We have seen this online article before and we had thought we had already linked to it on our site, but we were unable to locate it in the archives. It is now a posting.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 20 – South Korean Orb Weaver</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="216" height="317" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/orb_weaver_korea.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/orb_weaver_korea.jpg 216w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/orb_weaver_korea-204x300.jpg 204w" sizes="(max-width: 216px) 100vw, 216px" />Some South Korean spider<br />
WhatsThatBug guys and gals, here’s one for you.<br />
I found this beauty while climbing cliffs near Monseongri, Yeosu, South Korea. In fact, I spotted three of these — I dodged two of them and kicked a third off my pants. I’ve not seen this particular kind of spider before, and though I’ve climbed many rocks and traveled to many beaches across the US and South Korea, I’ve never seen this spider outside of that one beach (but it’s been there every time I’ve been). This photo was taken last weekend, so obviously this bug isn’t too perturbed by the chilly weather. I thought it might be an orb weaver, but the red throws me off a little bit. Also, though it’s rather hard to see, the yellow and red sections are outlined in green. This spider has the most fascinating colors I’ve ever seen on a bug! This one was about 6cm from leg to leg. In any case, it sure is pretty (but I couldn’t get any of my female climbing partners to appreciate it as much as I did)! Is this an orb weaver or am I missing the ball?<br />
Best,<br />
Brandon</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="/images/orb_weaver_korea.jpg" alt="" width="216" height="317" /></p>
<p><em>Hi Brandon,<br />
We have no idea what species this is and have never seen a spider quite like it before, but it is most assuredly an Orb Weaver. We believe it is an Argiope species.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 21 – Spider Pavilion at the Natural History Museum</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="300" height="205" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/nephila_clavipes_brenda-300x205.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" /><strong><em>Ed. Note: </em></strong><em>This email arrived at the personal email address our a member of our editorial staff</em></p>
<p>September 9, 2011 1:03:19 PM PDT<br />
These came to me from the Natural History Museum. (I’m listing their <a href="http://www.nhm.org/site/explore-exhibits/special-exhibits/spider-pavilion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Spider Pavilion</a> on my website). I wanted to know what kind of spiders these are…I’m afraid they won’t know…golden orb weavers in your opinion? That’s the best I could come up with after perusing your site.<br />
I appreciate your eyeballs!<br />
Best,<br />
Brenda Rees<br />
Editor<br />
<a href="http://www.socalwild.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Southern California Wildlife</a></p>
<figure id="attachment_44314" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-44314" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/nephila_clavipes_brenda.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-44314" title="nephila_clavipes_brenda" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/nephila_clavipes_brenda-300x205.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="205" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-44314" class="wp-caption-text">Golden Silk Spider</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Hi Brenda,<br />
The silk of the <a href="https://whatsthatbug.com/golden-silk-spider-12/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Golden Silk Spider</a>, </em>Nephila clavipes, <em>is among the strongest fibers known to man, and a <a href="http://www.ecouterre.com/art-historian-creates-worlds-largest-shawl-made-from-gold-colored-spider-silk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shawl that was woven with the naturally colored silk</a>of a close relative from Madagascar is one of the most gorgeous woven objects imaginable. Nephila clavipes is the only new world species from the genus, and one can’t help but to wonder if it was introduced by man many centuries ago and then mutated through successive generations to produce a unique species.</em></p>
<figure id="attachment_44315" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-44315" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/marbled_orbweaver_brenda.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-44315" title="marbled_orbweaver_brenda" src="/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/marbled_orbweaver_brenda-300x216.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="216" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-44315" class="wp-caption-text">Marbled Orbweaver</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>The other spider pictured is the <a href="https://whatsthatbug.com/marbled-orbweaver-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marbled Orbweaver</a>, </em>Araneus marmoreus<em>. We found a visual match on <a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/247848/bgpage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BugGuide</a>, but it is a highly variable species with many gorgeous color variations, and you may also read about it on <a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/2016" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bugguide</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>P.S. The<a href="the-bugman-of-mt-washington/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> piece you wrote on Daniel</a> was quite nice and several of his friends called to say they had seen it.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<h3>Letter 22 – Orb Weaver</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="216" height="209" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/orbweaver_red.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />whats my spider?<br />
Hi, I saw this particular spider last year around this time and this year I see what seems to be the same spider as before. What kind of spider is this and is it poisonous?</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="/images/orbweaver_red.jpg" alt="" width="216" height="209" /></p>
<p><em>While all spiders have poison glands, your unidentified Orb Weaver from the genus Araneus poses no threat to you, however, it does seem adept at capturing and dispatching small winged insects.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 23 – Sighting of Orbweaver causes spike in heart activity</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="800" height="550" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/orbweaver_matt.png" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/orbweaver_matt.png 800w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/orbweaver_matt-300x206.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />Subject: Scary Workout haha<br />
Location: San Jose, CA<br />
November 11, 2014 12:28 pm<br />
So I was riding my bike on a fluid trainer in my garage and this big spider walks right under me (surprising with the amount of vibration and air movement caused by the rear wheel and flywheel spinning). I kept an eye on it for a while but due to it’s several attempts at climbing up my trainer base I decided it was time for this one to go. I got a piece of cardboard and let the spider crawl onto it….the spider seemed quite mellow and I started to head outside but forgot to point the cardboard up away from me so of course the spider crawled up towards my hand and I dropped the whole thing. Again, the spider was chillin and I got the cardboard and picked it up and took it outside. I then later realized that I had been wearing a heart monitor thru the entire experience and had a good laugh at the jump in my heart rate at about that moment that I dropped the spider. Anyway, it’s outside somewhere now where it belongs but I am curious what it was since it was at l east twice as big as what I normally see around the house.<br />
Signature: Matt</p>
<figure id="attachment_77391" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-77391" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/orbweaver_matt.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-77391" src="/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/orbweaver_matt-300x206.png" alt="Orbweaver" width="300" height="206" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/orbweaver_matt-300x206.png 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/orbweaver_matt.png 800w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-77391" class="wp-caption-text">Orbweaver</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Dear Matt,<br />
This is a harmless Orbweaver in the family Araneidae. We found your story quite amusing, but we were unable to open your attachment. We really wanted to post your letter, so we resorted to creating a screen shot to have an image to post.</em></p>
<p>Yeah, it seemed pretty harmless and surprisingly calm when I picked it up and then dropped it. It had all the swagger of a much larger tarantula so it was easy to work with to get it out of the house (because it didn’t run around at high speed). Thank you for the ID though. I was curious because although I’ve seen tarantulas outside up in the hills when bike riding and this spider is much smaller, this is the biggest spider I’ve ever seen inside my house haha.<br />
Matt</p>
<h3>Letter 24 – Silver Garden Orbweaver</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="800" height="550" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/silver_argiope_matthew.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/silver_argiope_matthew.jpg 800w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/silver_argiope_matthew-300x206.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/silver_argiope_matthew-768x528.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />Subject: Spider<br />
Location: Del Mar, CA, 1/2 mile from ocean<br />
December 4, 2016 11:59 pm<br />
We’ve seen this spider in our front yard in the same place for about three months. It seems to have a yellow outline of an hourglass on its belly. We’d like to know what kind of spider it is and if it’s poisonous.<br />
Signature: Matthew Lee</p>
<figure id="attachment_87221" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-87221" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/silver_argiope_matthew.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-87221" src="/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/silver_argiope_matthew-300x206.jpg" alt="Silver Garden Orbweaver" width="300" height="206" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/silver_argiope_matthew-300x206.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/silver_argiope_matthew-768x528.jpg 768w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/silver_argiope_matthew.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-87221" class="wp-caption-text">Silver Garden Orbweaver</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Dear Matthew,<br />
This beautiful <a href="https://whatsthatbug.com/silver-argiope-5/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Silver Garden Orbweaver</a>, </em>Argiope argentata<em>, is considered harmless, though large individuals might bite if carelessly handled. Most spiders are venomous, though very few have a venom powerful enough to threaten humans.</em></p>
<figure id="attachment_87220" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-87220" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/silver_argiope_matthew_2.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-87220" src="/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/silver_argiope_matthew_2-300x206.jpg" alt="Silver Garden Orbweaver" width="300" height="206" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/silver_argiope_matthew_2-300x206.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/silver_argiope_matthew_2-768x528.jpg 768w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/silver_argiope_matthew_2.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-87220" class="wp-caption-text">Silver Garden Orbweaver</figcaption></figure>
<p>Thanks very much! I’m glad it’s considered harmless. We will leave it alone then.<br />
–Matt</p>
<h3>Letter 25 – Silver Orbweaver</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="800" height="550" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/silver_orbweaver_dennis.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/silver_orbweaver_dennis.jpg 800w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/silver_orbweaver_dennis-300x206.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />Subject: What is this Spider<br />
Location: Southern California<br />
August 8, 2015 7:39 am<br />
Hello<br />
We found this spider in the bushes next to my house in ladera ranch, Ca. (Southern California). Please let me know, so I can tell my son. Is it friendly?<br />
Thank you<br />
Signature: Dennis Fox</p>
<figure id="attachment_80396" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-80396" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/silver_orbweaver_dennis.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-80396" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/silver_orbweaver_dennis-300x206.jpg" alt="Silver Orbweaver" width="300" height="206" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/silver_orbweaver_dennis-300x206.jpg 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/silver_orbweaver_dennis.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-80396" class="wp-caption-text">Silver Orbweaver</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Dear Dennis,<br />
As much as we feel the need to promote the benefits of insects, spiders and other bugs, we have a really hard time thinking of spiders as “friendly” but with that said, this <a href="https://whatsthatbug.com/silver-argiope-5/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Silver Orbweaver</a>, </em>Argiope agrentata, <em>is not considered either an aggressive or dangerous species. Orbweavers are relatively docile spiders that generally remain in their webs, and they are actually quite clumsy when attempting to move about outside the web.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 26 – Reader Paranoia and South American Micrathena: Arrowshaped Orbweaver</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="225" height="300" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/micrathena_suriname_bryan-225x300.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />Unknown spiked spider, Black, Yellow and Red, Guyana, South America<br />
September 12, 2009<br />
I found this spider in Guyana, South America. Taken August 21, 2009, during the start of the dry season. It was in Surama Village, located in the North Rupununi Savannah. It’s location is 4 degrees north latitude and 59 degrees west longitude. This village is where the rainforest meets the savannah. The spider was in the rainforest, not savannah. This picture is somewhat overexposed from sunlight, but the spiders back end is bright yellow (looks kind of white in the picture), with a little bit of red and black. The yellow continues to it’s upper body. I estimate that it measures about 1 to 1.5 inches from head to end.<br />
Bryan <strong>(Ed. Note: Surname withheld upon request January 9, 2010)</strong><br />
North Rupununi, Guyana, South America</p>
<figure id="attachment_20678" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-20678" style="width: 215px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads//2009/09/micrathena_suriname_bryan.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-20678" title="micrathena_suriname_bryan" src="/wp-content/uploads//2009/09/micrathena_suriname_bryan-225x300.jpg" alt="South American Micrathena" width="225" height="300" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-20678" class="wp-caption-text">South American Micrathena</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Hi Brian,<br />
Perhaps one of our readers will be able to supply you with an exact species. We are relatively certain your spider is an Orbweaver in the genus Micrathena. There is a North American species, Micrathena sagittata, that looks quite similar and is known as the Arrowshaped Micrathena. That species is represented on <a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/2020" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BugGuide</a>. Your individual may be closely related or even be a subspecies.</em></p>
<p><strong>Update<br />
</strong>South American Micrathena: Arrowshaped Orbweaver – Unknown spiked spider, Black, Yellow and Red, Guyana, South America<br />
September 12, 2009<br />
Hi Daniel:<br />
I think it pretty much has to be Micrathena, as you suggest. It does look very similar to M. sagittata and that species does occur as for south as Guyana, but I don’t think that’s it. It looks more like another wide ranging species, <a href="http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://ipt.olhares.com/data/big/292/2921014.jpg&imgrefurl=http://olhares.aeiou.pt/micrathena_schreibersi_foto2921014.html&usg=__ZckrzJvvRxb-djfQQSrNTZB8Tfs=&h=750&w=500&sz=272&hl=en&start=8&tbnid" target="_blank" rel="noopener">M. schreibersi</a>. As is so often the case, this species is variable and the red highlights are not always present, but most of the other prominent features seem to match as well. If I may hedge a little, however, this is a very abundant genus with over 100 species, almost all of them neotropical, so there may be other candidates as well. Regards.<br />
Karl</p>
<p><strong>A Reader’s Paranoia: Will writing to WTB? negatively compromise a person’s reputation?<br />
</strong>Can you please remove my name from being published?<br />
January 9, 2011 6:19 pm<br />
Hello,<br />
I have a post on here with my full name. I didn’t realize you would disclose this on the website, which comes up on google if my name is searched. Can you please remove my name from the post? Thank you.<br />
Signature: Bryan</p>
<p><em>Dear Bryan,<br />
We post letters verbatim and that includes the signatures provided by people who write to us. We do not disclose email addresses or other private information, and we strictly limit the postings to the actual content of the questions and comments we receive. We cannot imagine the horror you felt when people who read your My Space page and Facebook page discovered that you had an interest in identifying a spider. We sincerely hope your reputation wasn’t terribly compromised by our posting and we hope that people don’t think less of you for trying to increase your knowledge of the natural world. We will remove your surname from the posting though we frown upon do-overs when it comes to our postings. We wish you luck eliminating other paranoia you may have.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 27 – Spider from Indonesia might be Long Jawed Orbweaver</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="300" height="194" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/longjawed_orbweaver_indonesia_mohamad_2-300x194.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />Subject: What spider is it?<br />
Location: Ranca Upas, Ciwidey, West Java, Indonesia<br />
January 7, 2013 8:03 am<br />
Hello Daniel,<br />
Way back on 2010 I took this spider pic, but I haven’t got any clue what spider is it. Hope that you can help.<br />
This guy have some interesting silver & black pattern abdomen.<br />
Signature: Mohamad Idham Iskandar</p>
<figure id="attachment_52395" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-52395" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/longjawed_orbweaver_indonesia_mohamad_2.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-52395" title="longjawed_orbweaver_indonesia_mohamad_2" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/longjawed_orbweaver_indonesia_mohamad_2-300x194.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="194" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-52395" class="wp-caption-text">Possibly Longjawed Orbweaver</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Hi Mohamad,<br />
This spider reminds us of the North American spiders in the family Tetragnathidae, commonly called the Longjawed Orbweavers. We cannot substantiate that with any photos from Indonesia in our brief attempts at an identification. You can compare your photo to the North American Longjawed Orbweavers on <a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/1958" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BugGuide</a>.</em></p>
<figure id="attachment_52396" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-52396" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/longjawed_orbweaver_indonesia_mohamad.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-52396" title="longjawed_orbweaver_indonesia_mohamad" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/longjawed_orbweaver_indonesia_mohamad-300x194.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="194" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-52396" class="wp-caption-text">Possibly Longjawed Orbweaver</figcaption></figure>
<p>Hi Daniel,<br />
Thanks a lot for the info, after reading info from <a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/1958" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BugGuide</a>, especially this line:<br />
“They vary in appearance, but those most commonly found are long-legged, thin-bodied spiders. When at rest, they may cling lengthwise along a twig or blade of grass, holding on with the short third pair of legs. The long pairs of legs are extended.”,<br />
and comparing the images to orchard spider that I found in Indonesia I’m more assured that this one is an Long-jawed Orb Weavers (Tetragnathidae).</p>
<h3>Letter 28 – Spider from Indonesia resembles Orbweaver</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="300" height="228" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/green_spider_indonesia-300x228.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />Subject: strawberry spider<br />
Location: Situ Cileunca, Warnasari, Pangalengan, West Java, Indonesia<br />
December 6, 2012 5:04 am<br />
This little guy have a young strawberry fruit like abdomen 11/27/2010.<br />
Signature: Mohamad Idham Iskandar</p>
<figure id="attachment_51880" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-51880" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/green_spider_indonesia.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-51880" title="green_spider_indonesia" src="/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/green_spider_indonesia-300x228.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="228" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-51880" class="wp-caption-text">Possibly Orbweaver</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Hi again Mohamad,<br />
There are no matching photos that resemble your spider on the <a href="http://travel.mongabay.com/indonesia/indexes/spiders1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Monga Bay Spiders in Indonesia</a> page. In our opinion, this resembles one of the <a href="category/spiders/orb-weavers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Orbweavers</a> in the family Araneidae. They are almost always found in an <a href="https://whatsthatbug.com/orbweaver-web/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">orb shaped web</a> of classic spider web design and the females tend to have bulbous abdomens.</em></p>
<h3>Letter 29 – Immature Golden Silk Spider from Brazil</h3>
<p> </p>
<p><img decoding="async" width="300" height="282" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/orbweaver_brazil_landon-300x282.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" loading="lazy" />Subject: Spider from Brazil<br />
Location: Abaeté Brazil<br />
February 19, 2013 9:26 am<br />
I saw these spiders on a farm near Abaeté Brazil. There were hundreds of them on the fences and low hanging tree limbs. They remind me of garden spiders back in the states.<br />
Signature: Landon</p>
<figure id="attachment_53109" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-53109" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/orbweaver_brazil_landon.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-53109" title="orbweaver_brazil_landon" alt="" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/orbweaver_brazil_landon-300x282.jpg" width="300" height="282" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-53109" class="wp-caption-text">Orbweaver</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Hi Landon,<br />
We are not certain which Garden Spider you are reminded of, but Garden Spider is a common name for many species in the family Araneidae, the Orbweavers (see <a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/1972" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BugGuide</a>). This is an Orbweaver, but we are not certain of the species. Other families known as Orbweavers include the Long-Jawed Orbweavers in the family Tetragnathidae (see <a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/1958" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BugGuide</a>) and the Golden Silk Spiders in the family Nephilidae (see <a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/109483" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BugGuide</a>). On our site, they are all listed as <a href="category/spiders/orb-weavers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Orbweavers</a>. Your spider looks to us to be a Long-Jawed Orbweaver in the family Tetragnathidae. Perhaps Cesar Crash will be able to provide an identification.</em></p>
<figure id="attachment_53110" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-53110" style="width: 290px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/orbweaver_brazil_landon_2.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-53110" title="orbweaver_brazil_landon_2" alt="" src="/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/orbweaver_brazil_landon_2-300x248.jpg" width="300" height="248" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-53110" class="wp-caption-text">Orbweaver</figcaption></figure>
<p>I just looked at the orb weaver section on your site after submitting my request. I do see the similarities to the golden orb weavers. Thanks for taking a look at it.<br />
Landon</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/orbweaver-all-you-need-to-know-for-a-successful-spider-encounter/">Orbweaver Spiders: Your Go-To Resource for Successful Encounters</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com">What's That Bug?</a>.</p>
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<item>
<title>Are Cat Faced Spiders Poisonous? Uncovering the Truth</title>
<link>https://www.whatsthatbug.com/are-cat-faced-spiders-poisonous/</link>
<comments>https://www.whatsthatbug.com/are-cat-faced-spiders-poisonous/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Bugman]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 17 Apr 2024 11:37:18 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Arachnida]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Araneae]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Cat Faced Spider]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.whatsthatbug.com/?p=112921</guid>
<description><![CDATA[<p>Cat-faced spiders are a common type of orb-weaver spider that can be found in various regions, including the United States. These spiders get their name from the unique, cat-like appearance of their abdomens, which often display two large bumps that resemble a cat’s ears. Although they may appear intimidating due to their size and markings, ... <a title="Are Cat Faced Spiders Poisonous? Uncovering the Truth" class="read-more" href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/are-cat-faced-spiders-poisonous/" aria-label="Read more about Are Cat Faced Spiders Poisonous? Uncovering the Truth">Read more</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/are-cat-faced-spiders-poisonous/">Are Cat Faced Spiders Poisonous? Uncovering the Truth</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com">What's That Bug?</a>.</p>
]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p>Cat-faced spiders are a common type of orb-weaver spider that can be found in various regions, including the United States.</p>
<p>These spiders get their name from the unique, cat-like appearance of their abdomens, which often display two large bumps that resemble a cat’s ears.</p>
<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/orbweaver_katie_cu.png" alt="Are Cat Faced Spiders Poisonous"/></figure></div>
<p>Although they may appear intimidating due to their size and markings, the question often arises: are cat-faced spiders poisonous?</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Are Cat-Faced Spiders Poisonous?</h2>
<p>In general, cat-faced spiders are not considered dangerous to humans.</p>
<p>While they do possess venom, as most spiders do, their venom is primarily used to subdue their prey—usually insects—and does not pose a <a href="http://www.wci.colostate.edu/Assets/pdf/Cat-FacedSpiderOct16.pdf">significant threat</a> to people.</p>
<p>Additionally, these spiders are known for their shy, non-aggressive behavior, further reducing the chances of harmful encounters with humans.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, it’s essential to exercise caution around any spider, as individual reactions to spider bites can vary.</p>
<p>Some people might experience mild discomfort, itching, or redness around the bite site, while others might have more severe allergic reactions.</p>
<p>However, overall, the risk posed by cat-faced spiders remains minimal compared to other venomous spider species.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Venomous vs Poisonous</h3>
<ul>
<li>Venomous refers to injecting toxins through a bite or sting.</li>
<li>Poisonous means causing harm when touched, ingested or inhaled.</li>
</ul>
<p>The key difference to remember is that venomous creatures <strong>inject</strong> toxins, while poisonous creatures cause harm when <strong>ingested or touched</strong>.</p>
<p></p>
<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="800" height="550" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/catfaced_spider_mikayla.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81426" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/catfaced_spider_mikayla.jpg 800w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/catfaced_spider_mikayla-300x206.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cat-Faced Spider</figcaption></figure></div>
<p></p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Different Species of Orb-Weaving Spiders</h2>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Araneus gemmoides</h3>
<p>The Araneus gemmoides are commonly known as cat-faced spiders due to their abdomen having two protrusions that resemble a cat’s ears. They are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Orb-weaver spiders</li>
<li>Mated females can overwinter in hidden locations</li>
<li>Generally harmless to humans</li>
</ul>
<p>These spiders are not considered poisonous, but they can produce venom. This venom, however, is not harmful to humans and is primarily used for hunting prey like insects.</p>
<p><strong>Features:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Distinctive cat-like appearance</li>
<li>Beneficial for controlling insect populations</li>
<li>Non-aggressive towards humans</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Araneus Gemma</h3>
<p>Araneus gemma is another species of orb-weaving spider that is often mistaken for the cat-faced spider. They have similar physical features and habits, but the Araneus gemma is also:</p>
<ul>
<li>Non-aggressive</li>
<li>Effective at controlling insect populations</li>
<li>Harmless to humans</li>
</ul>
<p>Just like the cat-faced spider, the Araneus gemma is not considered poisonous to humans despite possessing venom. It presents no significant risk when encountered.</p>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Comparison Table</strong></p>
<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><thead><tr><th> </th><th>Cat-Faced Spider (Araneus Gemmoides)</th><th>Araneus Gemma</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Appearance</td><td>Distinctive cat-like features</td><td>Similar to cat-faced spider</td></tr><tr><td>Harmful to humans?</td><td>No</td><td>No</td></tr><tr><td>Venomous?</td><td>Yes (not harmful to humans)</td><td>Yes (not harmful to humans)</td></tr><tr><td>Role in ecosystem</td><td>Controlling insect populations</td><td>Controlling insect populations</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bite Symptoms and Treatment</h2>
<p>Cat faced spiders are not considered dangerous to humans, but their bites can cause some mild symptoms. After a bite, you might experience:</p>
<ul>
<li>Itching or rash</li>
<li>Pain radiating from the site of the bite</li>
</ul>
<p>In some cases, symptoms may also include swelling, redness, or even mild fever<sup><a id="user-content-fnref-1%5E" href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php#user-content-fn-1%5E" data-footnote-ref="" aria-describedby="footnote-label">1</a></sup>.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Treatment</h3>
<p>If bitten by a <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/cat-faced-spider-all-you-need-to-know-in-a-nutshell/">cat faced spider</a>, it’s essential to clean and care for the wound properly. Follow these steps:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Clean the bite area</strong> with soap and water.</li>
<li><strong>Apply a cold pack or ice</strong> wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling and pain.</li>
<li><strong>Keep the bite area elevated</strong> to minimize swelling.</li>
<li><strong>Take over-the-counter pain relievers</strong> like ibuprofen or acetaminophen if needed.</li>
</ol>
<p>In case of severe symptoms, such as difficulty in breathing, severe pain, or vomiting, seek medical attention immediately.</p>
<p></p>
<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="800" height="550" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/catfaced_orbweaver_amity.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-80432" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/catfaced_orbweaver_amity.jpg 800w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/catfaced_orbweaver_amity-300x206.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cat Faced Orbweaver</figcaption></figure></div>
<p></p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Recovery</h3>
<p>Recovery from a cat faced spider bite is generally smooth and fast. With proper care and self-treatment, symptoms should subside within a few days to a week<sup><a id="user-content-fnref-1%5E-2" href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php#user-content-fn-1%5E" data-footnote-ref="" aria-describedby="footnote-label">1</a></sup>.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Recognizing the Cat-Faced Spider</h2>
<p>The Cat-Faced Spider, or <em>Araneus gemmoides</em>, is notable for its distinct appearance.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/images/catfaced_spider_denise.jpg" alt=""/></figure>
<p>Key characteristics include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Color:</strong> These spiders vary in color, usually ranging from light brown to dark brown.</li>
<li><strong>Abdomen:</strong> Cat-Faced Spiders have a uniquely shaped abdomen that resembles a cat’s face.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Habitat</h3>
<p>Native to the United States and Canada, the Cat-Faced Spider is well-suited for various environments. Here are some common settings for its habitat:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Wood piles:</strong> These spiders often inhabit wood piles, seeking shelter and food.</li>
<li><strong>Animal burrows:</strong> They can also be found in abandoned animal burrows or closed spaces.</li>
</ul>
<p>While the <a href="https://www.cirrusimage.com/cat-faced-spider/">Cat-Faced Spider</a> is not exclusive to North America, it is not commonly found in places like Australia. Its preference for wood piles and animal burrows suggests it favors relatively closed spaces.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prey and Hunting Tactics</h2>
<p>The Cat Face Spider primarily preys on insects such as <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/how-to-get-rid-of-aphids-on-christmas-tree/">aphids</a>, small caterpillars, and beetle larvae. As part of the orb weaver spider family, they create intricate webs to capture their prey.</p>
<p>Insects may also be attracted to their webs due to the spider’s vibrant colors.</p>
<p><strong>Orb weaving tactics:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Spin sticky webs</li>
<li>Wait for prey to become trapped</li>
<li>Consume caught insects</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Natural Predators</h3>
<p>Cat Face Spiders have several natural predators, like mud-dauber wasps and birds. Pets such as dogs and cats usually avoid spiders due to their venomous bites.</p>
<p>However, it’s important to note that the venom of Cat Face Spiders is not dangerous to humans.</p>
<p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>Comparison of Cat Face Spider predators</strong></p>
<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><thead><tr><th>Predator</th><th>Threat Level</th><th>Occurrence</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Mud-Dauber</td><td>High</td><td>Late summer</td></tr><tr><td>Birds</td><td>Moderate</td><td>All seasons</td></tr><tr><td>Pets (dogs and cats)</td><td>Low</td><td>Occasional</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
<p>These spiders can typically be found in gardens and other vegetated areas, where they blend in with the foliage and have access to an abundance of prey.</p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>
<p>The cat-faced spider emerges as a fascinating predator, contributing to pest control while evoking curiosity rather than alarm among those who cross its path.</p>
<p>With its distinct appearance and venomous capabilities, the spider raises questions about its potential danger to humans. However, these spiders are not considered harmful to people.</p>
<p>While possessing venom used to subdue prey, their non-aggressive behavior and minimal risk of harmful encounters minimize chances of concerns. Nevertheless, it’s wise to exercise caution, as reactions to bites can vary.</p>
<section class="footnotes" data-footnotes="">
<h2 id="footnote-label" class="sr-only">Footnotes</h2>
<ol>
<li id="user-content-fn-1%5E"><a href="https://entomology.wsu.edu/outreach/bug-info/cat-face/">https://entomology.wsu.edu/outreach/bug-info/cat-face/</a> <a class="data-footnote-backref" href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php#user-content-fnref-1%5E" data-footnote-backref="" aria-label="Back to content"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/21a9.png" alt="↩" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></a> <a class="data-footnote-backref" href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php#user-content-fnref-1%5E-2" data-footnote-backref="" aria-label="Back to content"><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/72x72/21a9.png" alt="↩" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><sup>2</sup></a></li>
</ol>
</section>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Reader Emails</h2>
<p>Over the years, our website, <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/">whatsthatbug.com</a> has received hundreds of letters and some interesting images asking us about cat faced spiders. Scroll down to have a look at some of them.</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Letter 1 – Unknown Orb Weaver: Maybe Neoscona oaxacensis and Cat Faced Spider</h3>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/neoscona_unknown_denise.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 216px) 100vw, 216px" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/neoscona_unknown_denise.jpg 216w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/neoscona_unknown_denise-211x300.jpg 211w" alt="" width="216" height="306">Great big orb weavers<br>Hi Daniel,<br>Thanks for the info on the purse spider. Would like to share a couple of others in our collection from our days in New Mexico. The golden spiders were plentiful and every year we had 3 or 4 set up shop around our windows to catch the bugs flying toward the house lights.</p>
<p>The black and white one was solitary, and it was around for our last two years there. It spun a huge circular web with a bit of zig zag center, very similar to the large argiopes we had in South Louisiana.<br>Denise Dailey</p>
<figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><img decoding="async" src="/images/neoscona_unknown_denise.jpg"></td><td><img decoding="async" src="/images/catfaced_spider_denise.jpg"></td></tr><tr><td><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe Neoscona oaxacensis</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cat Faced Spider</span></td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
<p><em>Hi Denise,<br>We are uncertain of the identity of your black and white spider. The closest we can match it to on BugGuide is one of the spiders in the genus Neoscona, perhaps <a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/16526/bgpage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Neoscona oaxacensis</a>. We hope someone can provide us with a definite answer on this beauty. We believe your golden spider is a Cat Faced Spider, Araneus gemmoides, based on photos posted to <a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/27726/bgpage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BugGuide</a>. </em></p>
<p><strong>Confirmation: </strong>from Eric Eaton<br>Daniel:<br>I believe you are correct in the identification of the black and white orb weaver from New Mexico. It is definitely in the genus Neoscona, and the species oaxacensis is highly variable.<br>Eric</p>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Letter 2 – Possibly Male Cat-Faced Spider</h3>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" src="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/orbweaver_katie_cu.png" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/orbweaver_katie_cu.png 800w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/orbweaver_katie_cu-300x206.png 300w" alt="" width="800" height="550">Subject: wondering what spider this is<br>Location: Sacramento California<br>October 25, 2015 9:53 am<br>Found this little guy from outside and i havent ever seen one for my 20 years of life. So im just wondering what it is. Thank you!<br>Signature: katie</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/orbweaver_katie_cu.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="300" height="206" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/orbweaver_katie_cu-300x206.png" alt="Possibly Male Cat-Faced Spider" class="wp-image-81458" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/orbweaver_katie_cu-300x206.png 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/orbweaver_katie_cu.png 800w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Possibly Male Cat-Faced Spider</figcaption></figure>
<p><em>Dear Katie,<br>Were it not for the orb web, we might have thought this was a <a href="https://whatsthatbug.com/crab-spider-india/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Crab Spider</a> because of the long front legs, but Crab Spiders do not spin webs and the web is definitely an orb web, indicating this is a Orbweaver in the family Araneidae. </em></p>
<p><em> The bumps on the abdomen remind us of the Cat-Face Spider, </em>Araneus gemmoides, <em>and we suspect this is a male of the species.  As you can see by this pair pictured on <a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/81573" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BugGuide</a>, the male is the smaller of the sexes.  According to the <a href="http://www.cirrusimage.com/spider_cat_face.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cirrus Images</a> site:  “The males are generally much smaller than the females and commonly lack the showy coloring of their fairer sex. They often spin their own smaller orb web near an outlying portion of the female’s, and I’ve noticed most males give the females wide berth. Indeed, I rarely see male orb weavers, they are so reclusive.”</em></p>
<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone"><a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/orbweaver_katie.png"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="300" height="213" src="/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/orbweaver_katie-300x213.png" alt="Possibly Male Cat-Faced Spider" class="wp-image-81459" srcset="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/orbweaver_katie-300x213.png 300w, https://www.whatsthatbug.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/orbweaver_katie.png 773w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Possibly Male Cat-Faced Spider</figcaption></figure>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com/are-cat-faced-spiders-poisonous/">Are Cat Faced Spiders Poisonous? Uncovering the Truth</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.whatsthatbug.com">What's That Bug?</a>.</p>
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