Western Spotted Orbweaver

Description:

Pictures above show fem, fem, male. Female size ranges about 11 to 17 mm, male about 5 to 9 mm. Colors include brown, yellow, white, purple and red. Legs banded. spots on abdomen in white or yellow. The female is brilliantly colored, with bright tones sharply variegated. Males are also variegated in the same colors, but display muted tones and a softer pattern.

Habitat:

Builders of large webs, these spiders prefer to be chest height or higher off the ground where they can use trees. Although brilliantly colored, they blend in well with foliage, and so may not be seen at first. Flying prey is caught in webs built fresh every day.

Notes:

Although these spiders display warning colors, they are not poisonous to humans. Only those with allergies need fear a bite. Also, orb weaving spiders are typically not aggressive.