stasz2016
Spotted Orbweaver Spider
This photo is of a Spotted Orbweaver, Neoscona crucifera. This picture was taken along the side of the library. These spiders live all over the United States and get their name from the distinct orb shaped web they spin. The can grow from anywhere from 2 and 5 centimeters with the males usually being slightly smaller than the females. Their main diet is insects and they play a key role in keeping pest insects populations down across the US. They have an average lifespan of about 12 months. The females lay their eggs in late summer or fall in a cocoon made of their web. The females can lay over 1,000 eggs. The young emerge from their nest in early spring and disperse by ballooning, which is when they use their web as silk balloon that is then picked up in the wind. They become mature in late summer and die in the fall when the first frost kills the last few remaining adults. Since this photo was taken in late October, this spider was nearing the end of its life.
Spotted Orbweaver Spider
This photo is of a Spotted Orbweaver, Neoscona crucifera. This picture was taken along the side of the library. These spiders live all over the United States and get their name from the distinct orb shaped web they spin. The can grow from anywhere from 2 and 5 centimeters with the males usually being slightly smaller than the females. Their main diet is insects and they play a key role in keeping pest insects populations down across the US. They have an average lifespan of about 12 months. The females lay their eggs in late summer or fall in a cocoon made of their web. The females can lay over 1,000 eggs. The young emerge from their nest in early spring and disperse by ballooning, which is when they use their web as silk balloon that is then picked up in the wind. They become mature in late summer and die in the fall when the first frost kills the last few remaining adults. Since this photo was taken in late October, this spider was nearing the end of its life.