CHARACTERISTICS: The size of this spider can be frightening. While males remain quite small (up to 1/4 inch), females can grow to become 3 inches.
The abdomen of this spider is shaped like a banana and only the 1st, 2nd and 4th pairs of legs have black tufts of hair on them.
They are found in swamps or shady woods, weaving webs that are on a slight incline as opposed to perpendicular with the ground like other orb weavers.
They lay in the middle of their webs, waiting for prey whereas other species of orbweaver hide near the edge of their webs.
ADULT SIZE (Length, not including legs):
4mm to 25mm
(0.16in to 0.98in) (Compare Size)
IDENTIFYING COLORS:orange; yellow; black; white; brown
Florida; Georgia; South Carolina; North Carolina; Alabama; Mississippi;
Courtesy of Melody and Preston C. from Kure Beach, NC
Kingdom: Animalia
