Photo By Sam Fraser-Smith , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
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
Bite Humans
General Info About Spinybacked Orbweaver
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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
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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.
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Youth Habitat of Spinybacked Orbweaver
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Tropical Rainforests
Adult Habitat of Spinybacked Orbweaver
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Tropical Rainforests, Urban and Suburban Areas
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.
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?
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Harmful Effects of Spinybacked Orbweaver
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Toxic to Animals
Bite Humans
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.
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.