Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Spinybacked Orbweaver

Spinybacked Orbweaver

Gasteracantha cancriformis

A species of Spiny orb-weavers, Also known as Spiny Orbweaver Spider, Crablike Spiny Orbweaver, Crab-like Orbweaver Spider, Crab-like spiny orbweaver

The spinybacked Orbweaver (Gasteracantha cancriformis) has a crab-like structure with six spines on its abdomen. The color of this species varies based on where it lives, and the colors are usually red, orange, yellow, or white. Males and females communicate by creating patterns of vibration on their webs.

Toxic to Animals
Toxic to Animals
Bite Humans
Bite Humans
General Info About Spinybacked Orbweaver
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Spinybacked Orbweaver
Colors
Black
Yellow
Red
White
Habitat
woodland; garden
Adult Food Sources
Flies, moths, mosquitoes, beetles, small flying insects
Venomous
The Spinybacked Orbweaver can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Spinybacked Orbweaver typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Spinybacked Orbweaver
It is native to North America, Central America, the Caribbean and South America. It has been introduced elsewhere, including Hawaii.
Rectangle
Adult Size of Spinybacked Orbweaver
2.5 - 4.5 cm
Rectangle
Predators of Spinybacked Orbweaver Larvae
Hymenoptera (wasps and parasitic flies), araneae (other spiders), insecta (various insects)
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Spinybacked Orbweaver
Aves (birds), mantodea (praying mantises), araneae (other spiders)
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Spinybacked Orbweaver
Spinybacked Orbweaver can alter the color of their silk, which may help in disguising their webs from prey or protecting against UV radiation.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Spinybacked Orbweaver
Tips for Finding Spinybacked Orbweaver
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Spinybacked Orbweaver
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Tropical Rainforests
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Spinybacked Orbweaver
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Tropical Rainforests, Urban and Suburban Areas
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Spinybacked Orbweaver
Mild, dry weather conditions are preferable for finding spinybacked Orbweaver, as they may not be active during rainy or cold times, which can destroy their webs or drive them to seek shelter.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Spinybacked Orbweaver at Different Life Stages
Egg Spinybacked Orbweaver egg sacs are often spherical, well-hidden, and can be found attached to the underside of leaves or branches near the mother’s web. Search for these structures in sheltered, undisturbed areas.
Juvenile Once hatched, the spinybacked Orbweaver spiderlings disperse and create small, inconspicuous webs near the ground. Look for clusters of miniature webs in low shrubbery or grass.
Juvenile spinybacked Orbweaver can be found on slightly larger webs in vegetation. Inspect the structure of webs between branches and leaves where these juveniles might be waiting for prey.
Adult Adult spinybacked Orbweaver create the most prominent orb webs, often decorated with distinctive silk stabilimenta patterns. These webs are typically found in open, sunny areas, such as clearings, edges of the woods, or gardens. Carefully observe the central hub of the webs for the presence of spinybacked Orbweaver.
Are Spinybacked Orbweaver harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Harmful Effects of Spinybacked Orbweaver
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Icon toxic for
Toxic to Animals
Icon toxic for
Bite Humans
Rectangle
Toxic to Animals

When spinybacked Orbweaver employs its fangs to bite, the venom, although typically mild in toxicity, can affect certain animals. For example, humans may experience minor irritation and discomfort, while dogs might show similar mild reactions. Insects, however, can be more significantly harmed or even killed, as the venom is particularly efficient against smaller organisms. The adult stage of spinybacked Orbweaver is capable of envenomation, and it uses this defense mechanism against predators and for prey capture.

Rectangle
Bite Humans

Spinybacked Orbweaver is not characteristic of biting humans. Encounters with humans generally do not result in bites, as spinybacked Orbweaver employs biting primarily for prey capture and defense against natural predators, not humans. Bites, if they occur, are likely accidental and resulting effects are minor and localized.

More Effects of Spinybacked Orbweaver

Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to Spinybacked Orbweaver
Whitebanded orbweb spider
Whitebanded orbweb spider

The animal belongs to the genus Zealaranea. The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1842 by Charles Athanase Walckenaer.

Read More
Arrow
Difoliate orbweaver
Difoliate orbweaver

The animal belongs to the genus Acacesia. The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1847 by Nicholas Marcellus Hentz.

Read More
Arrow
Biscuit boxkite
Biscuit boxkite

The animal belongs to the genus Isoxya. The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1859 by Tord Tamerlan Teodor Thorell.

Read More
Arrow
Enamelled spider
Enamelled spider

Within its silk-woven domain, enamelled spider exhibits a remarkable prowess in engineering complex, wheel-shaped webs that glisten with dew at dawn, showcasing a mastery of tension and spacing. As a nocturnal architect, it meticulously reconstructs its snare nightly, relying on vibratory cues to pinpoint prey ensnared in its intricate patterns. During the day, it retreats to nearby foliage, relying on its inconspicuous coloring to evade detection by predators.

Read More
Arrow
Eastern grass orb-weaver
Eastern grass orb-weaver

With a unique affinity for constructing intricate webs, eastern grass orb-weaver exhibits remarkable precision as it weaves its silken trap, a testament to its engineering prowess. Adorned with decoy structures, these webs are masterclasses of deception designed to deter potential predators. Eastern grass orb-weaver thrives best in warm climates and changes its hunting strategies as it matures, starting as a more direct hunter before fully utilizing its web later in life.

Read More
Arrow
Long-horned orb-weaver
Long-horned orb-weaver

With a strikingly curved abdomen reminiscent of a crescent moon, long-horned orb-weaver possesses a vivid palette of colors that serve as both allure and warning. These arthropods exhibit a unique form of maternal care, meticulously constructing silk sacs to safeguard their eggs, demonstrating an intricate balance of beauty and instinctual nurturing.

Read More
Arrow
White-banded bird-dropping spider
White-banded bird-dropping spider

This arachnid boasts a unique form of deception, mimicking detritus to evade predators and stealthily attract prey. During its juvenile phases, it exhibits more notable camouflage, gradually maturing into sophisticated mimicry. It constructs a classic orb web, employing a strategic stabilimentum, a zigzag pattern of silk, which serves both structural and predatory functions, luring insects that mistake it for a safe perch.

Read More
Arrow
Lesser bird-dropping spider
Lesser bird-dropping spider

Resembling a fallen leaf or a piece of bark, lesser bird-dropping spider thrives in its ability to camouflage within the forest understory, aiding in its ambush predatory strategy. The silken web, not typically the geometric masterpiece of its relatives, is horizontally oriented and often incorporates plant debris, enhancing its concealment. This remarkable creature also exhibits sexual dimorphism, where the female significantly surpasses the male in size and longevity, a common phenomenon in its ecosystem.

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow