About Garden Orb Weaving Spiders

Garden orb weaving spiders are a fascinating species that are defined by more than just their base level characteristics. While there may be more than 100 different species, each carries its own distinct size, shape, and colour. These variations can even vary between regions, with some being found only in certain coastal spots of Australia.

As a result of their versatility, these spiders have become very common in the area and often provide an interesting visual experience while appearing delicate and beautiful. Studying them can give us unique insight into how creatures interact with their environment and develop to fit the conditions they are presented with.

What Does It Look Like?

Garden orb weaving spiders are an impressive sight in their colorful and intricate webs. They are stout creatures, generally brown or grey with a unique leaf-like pattern on the body. An interesting feature that distinguishes some species is the presence of a dorsal stripe of white or light brown bordered by white.

One can easily identify these spiders as they tend to weave large webs in gardens and shrubs and signs of their presence are quite apparent. Their size, markings, and spindly webs make them a distinctive addition to any garden space.

Where Do You Find It?

These spiders can be found throughout Australia. Eriophoria biapicata and E. transmarina are the most common garden orb weaving spiders in eastern and southern Australia.

Habitat

These spiders create large, intricate webs suspended in the air, sticky and wheel shaped. They place their webs in openings between the trees and shrubs to catch insects that fly. Mostly these spiders create webs in the evenings and take them down again at dawn. They often rest in a head-down position in the middle of their web, waiting for their prey.

Identifying a Garden Orb Weaving Spider

As mentioned above, there are many garden orb weaving spiders, and identifying them may take time and effort. However, here are some common identifiers for garden orb weaving spiders:

  • Adult spiders are about 15-30mm in body length
  • Female spiders are larger than males and have a body length of 20-25mm; males are generally 15-17mm long
  • Females have needle-like epigynum. which protrudes in the spinneret’s direction
  • They have triangular and bulbous abdomens that are covered with fine hair

Hunting Habits

As these spiders build webs between trees and shrubs, they can catch insects that are flying nearby. When insects get caught in their web, they receive a vibration that makes them rush towards the web.

They quickly wrap the insect in their silk, bite them and wait for them to die so that they can consume them. If these spiders catch many insects, they may release large insects damaging their web.

Danger to Humans

These spiders are reluctant to bite. However, they may bite if they feel threatened. Mild local pain, numbness, and swelling may occur on the bite site, which may subside over time. In rare cases, nausea and dizziness may occur after a bite. If the symptoms persist, you must seek medical attention.

Let Us Handle Your Pest Control Needs

At Tom’s Pest Control Melbourne, we understand just how stressful dealing with pests can be. That’s why our certified pest-control technicians are here to provide you with the best possible service so that your property can be rid of any unwanted creatures while also protecting your family, pets and environment from potential harm.

Our methods are both safe and effective when tackling ants, spiders, rodents – or any other type of pest that you may have in your home. Rest assured that we’ve got you covered so you don’t have to worry about these pesky insects any longer.

Contact Us Today

Feel free to discuss your pest control requirements, and we will suggest the most appropriate treatment for a positive outcome.

FAQs

What do Garden Orb Weaving Spiders Eat?

Garden orb weaving spiders eat small flying insects, including flies, beetles, mosquitoes, cicadas, butterflies, moths, and dragonflies.

What is the Colour of Garden Orb Weavers?

Garden orb weavers are of varying sizes and colours. These spiders can be of any colour ranging from creamy white to reddish brown. While some may have a solid colour, others may have dots or stripes.

Is It Right to Remove Garden Orb Weavers from Your Garden?

These spiders eat garden pests and help keep it clear of unwanted insects. Hence, it is beneficial to have them in your garden. However, if these pests enter your home and are bothersome, you may hire a pest control expert to get rid of them.