Spined Micrathena

Description:

The Spined Micrathena is a common spider. If you've ever walked through a spider web in the woods, it was very likely a micrathena's web. Usually, it is only the female spider that is seen. She is about 1/2 inch long, with a chunky abdomen that has ten spines on it. The abdomen varies in color; usually it is whitish, yellow, or brownish-black. The front section is much smaller than the abdomen, and it is amber-colored. This spider's legs are glossy black. The male Spined Micrathena is about half the size of the female. It has only a couple of spines and a much flatter abdomen. Only females build webs. Most of the prey that get caught in the web are small flies, such as mosquitoes and gnats. Small wasps, flying ants, and beetles also get caught. The micrathena hangs out in the center of her web, with her head pointing down. As soon as she feels the vibrations of prey trapped in her web, she runs to bite it. These spiders are slow and clumsy. Many insects escape before she can catch them. When she catches one, she bites it first, then wraps it in silk. Male micrathenas do not build webs, but they do weave a "mating thread." The male finds a female's web, and weaves his mating thread onto her web. When he's ready, he quickly runs out and mates with her. Males often do not survive the encounter. The female makes a tan sphere with silk and lay her eggs inside it. She lays the sphere on plants near her web. Eggs are laid in September. Spined Micrathenas have only one generation each year. Eggs overwinter in their sac and hatch the next year. Young spiders become fully grown by July and are ready to mate.

Habitat:

Most micrathenas are found in woodland areas, Micrathenas can also be found in many habitats, including around homes and gardens, like this one. They rarely enter houses.