Arachnids of North Carolina
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Scientific Name: Common Name: Family (Alpha):
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View Araneidae Members: NC Records

Araneus saevus - an orbweaver

Araneus saevusAraneus saevusAraneus saevus
Taxonomy
Order: ARANEAEInfraorder: AraneomorphaeFamily: Araneidae                                                                                 
Species Comment: Previously known as Aranea solitaria
Identification
Online Description/Photos: BugGuide Google, iNaturalist, Wikipedia, GBIFTechnical Description: Spiders of North America - Bradley; Spiders of the Carolinas – Gaddy; Bugguide
Comments: Medium to large spider with conspicuous humps on the abdomen. Most individuals are grayish or black. Some individuals closely resemble A. nordmanni. A. saevus typically has more lobes in the folium on the abdomen. There is a distinct white median line at the front of the abdomen that distinguishes this from other Araneus. Sometimes can show a white, yellow or orange band like A. miniatus. Another color morph is solid orange in color, and median line can be yellowish.
Total Length: Moderate size, female Total Body Length 11-17 mm, male Total Body Length 9-11 mmAdult ID: identifiable by photo of specific features and/or supplementary info
Distribution in North Carolina
Comments: Mountain region of North Carolina. Widespread throughout Canada and New England, south to North Carolina. Adults late summer through autumn, peak in September.
County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.
Araneus saevus
Adult phenology:
 High Mountains (HM) ≥ 4,000 ft.
 Low Mountains (LM) < 4,000 ft.
 Piedmont (Pd)
 Coastal Plain (CP)

Click on graph to enlarge
Habitats and Life History
Habitats: Found on large trees in forest and forest edge
Observation Methods:
Abundance/Frequency: Uncommon
Status in North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program Status:
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State Protection:
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 Photo Gallery for Araneus saevus - an orbweaver

Photos: 21

Recorded by: Jim Petranka and Becky Elkin on 2025-10-21
Madison Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Jim Petranka and Becky Elkin on 2025-10-21
Madison Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Jim Petranka and Becky Elkin on 2025-10-21
Madison Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Jim Petranka and Becky Elkin on 2025-10-06
Madison Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Jim Petranka and Becky Elkin on 2025-10-06
Madison Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Jim Petranka and Becky Elkin on 2025-10-06
Madison Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2025-02-07
Macon Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2025-02-07
Macon Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Weaver on 2023-09-07
Ashe Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: K. Bischof on 2022-10-30
Transylvania Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: K. Bischof on 2022-10-30
Transylvania Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: K. Bischof on 2022-10-27
Transylvania Co.
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Recorded by: K. Bischof on 2022-10-27
Transylvania Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2022-09-16
McDowell Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Donald Zepp on 2022-04-13
Watauga Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Donald Zepp on 2022-04-13
Watauga Co.
Comment: Note pronounced humps on anterior of this juvenile's abdomen.
Recorded by: tom ward on 2020-10-25
Buncombe Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: tom ward on 2020-10-25
Buncombe Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: tom ward on 2020-10-25
Buncombe Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: tom ward on 2020-10-22
Buncombe Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: tom ward on 2020-10-22
Buncombe Co.
Comment: