spiny-backed orbweaver, spiny orbweaver spider, crab-like orbweaver spider, crab-like spiny orbweaver spider, jewel spider, spiny-bellied orbweaver, jewel box spider or smiley face spider, the star spider

Description:

The spiny orb weaving spiders look like plant seeds or thorns hanging in their webs and are easily distinguished from other spiders. The male is smaller (1/16"-1/8") than the female (3/8") and seldom noticed. Spiny orb weavers have a broad, hard abdomen that can be white, orange, or yellow with red markings. There are six pointy “spines” protruding from the edges. The carapace, legs, and venter are black. Habitat: On a web strung across the path in the East Texas piney woods. Notes: The spiny orb weaver spins flat, round shaped webs in shrubs, trees, and in the corners of windows and similar outdoor areas of buildings. A new web is constructed each night to make sure that the structure is secure. Typically, adult females construct webs because male species hang from a single thread close by the nest of a female.

Habitat:

East Texas piney woods