The Orb Weaver Spider Consumes Its Own Used Webs

Orb weaver spiders are easy to spot thanks to the easily recognizable orb weaver web: a classic, circular design made of sticky silk.

Most orb weavers tend to have round, bulbous abdomens and spindly legs equipped with a third claw for handling their silk. Many orb weavers, such as Araneus diadematus (commonly called the European garden spider), have intricate patterns on their backs, which can range from white spots to bold stripes.

While orb weavers are sometimes mistaken for other members of the Araneidae and Tetragnathidae families, their signature web design sets them apart. These spiders are masters of efficiency, often dismantling their old web and rebuilding a new one in about an hour to keep it fresh and functional.

Good news: Orb weaver spiders are harmless to humans! Their bite is mild, similar to a mosquito bite, and only occurs if the spider feels threatened or accidentally comes into contact with skin. Unlike venomous spiders such as the black widow, orb weavers pose no medical threat.

These spiders are shy by nature and prefer to avoid humans. They're much more interested in catching their next meal than causing harm, so you can safely admire their handiwork without worry.

Orb weavers build their webs in areas with plenty of insects to catch, often stringing their sticky strands between trees, shrubs or garden plants. You might also find them near lights, where flying insects are abundant. They're particularly active in late summer and early fall, when their webs are most noticeable.

These spiders are found worldwide and thrive in diverse habitats, from dense forests to urban gardens. Whether in a wild meadow or your backyard, orb weaving spiders are likely nearby, quietly going about their work.

Spider reproduction is truly wild. Like many other species, orb weaver spiders are sexually dimorphic, with the males being notable smaller than the females. Also like other spiders, females practice cannibalism, often consuming the males shortly after copulation.

The female spins a fluffy silken egg sac, where she deposits her eggs until the spiderlings hatch. Many of the young spiders make easy prey for other creatures, such as predatory insects, but enough survive to carry on the next generation of orb weavers.

Orb weaving spiders are attracted to areas with a steady supply of flying insects. Gardens, porches and wooded areas are prime real estate for their orb webs. They also prefer locations sheltered from strong winds, where their webs can remain intact long enough to catch prey.

To deter orb weavers, keep outdoor lights off at night to reduce insect activity. Orb weavers are remarkably neat, consuming their own used webs (so buildup shouldn't be an issue). Remember that these spiders are helpful predators that naturally reduce pest populations, so leaving them alone is often the best option.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.