Arachnids of North Carolina
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View Araneidae Members: NC Records

Araneus miniatus (Walckenaer, 1841) - Black-spotted Orbweaver

Taxonomy
Order: ARANEAEInfraorder: AraneomorphaeFamily: AraneidaeSynonym: Araneus allani                                                                                 
Comments: In erecting Amamrotypus as a new genus in 1954, Allan Archer had named a fairly obscure Arizona species Am. miniatus. In 1973, Levi synonymized that genus with Araneus, which already included Ar. miniatus. This resulted in a proscribed homonym, whereby two different species would have ended up with the very same name: Araneus miniatus. As Archer had named his species in 1954, while Walckenaer had named the other species (Epeira) miniata in 1841, the latter had priority, and the former, Amamrotypus, species needed a new specific epithet. Thus, the name Araneus allani was duly assigned by Levi who pointed out that he had named it after its original author, Allan Archer.
Species Comment: Also called Blackspotted Orbweaver.
Identification
Online Description/Photos: BugGuide Google, iNaturalist, Wikipedia, GBIFTechnical Description: Levi, H. W. (1973). Small orb-weavers of the genus Araneus north of Mexico (Araneae: Araneidae). Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology 145: 473-552. Spiders of North America - Bradley; Spiders of the Carolinas – Gaddy; Bugguide
Comments: This small orbweaver has an abdomen that is widest at the anterior end with two lateral humps. The abdomen is reddish brown with a white transverse band near the widest point. The back of the abdomen has paired dark spots. The cephalathorax and legs are pale brown. The center of the cephalathorax is darker brown, widest at the eye region. The legs are faintly banded. Color forms include a dark black one with bright white band, paler brown form, milky white/green form, a spotted black/white form, a reddish form with an orange band instead of white. White band is variable can be split in middle, wider and cross like, but typically not as extensive as in A. pegnia. Cephalahtorax varies less but pattern consistent.
Total Length: Very small, female 3-4.7 mm, male 2.5-3.7 mmAdult ID: identifiable by photo
Distribution in North Carolina
Comments: Statewide in North Carolina. Occurs in eastern United States, New England to Florida and west to Texas. Adults early spring to early summer.
County Map: Clicking on a county returns the records for the species in that county.
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: Open and swampy woods, pines, scrub oaks, southern hammocks, maritime forests and barrier islands.
Observation Methods: Visual observation, at night in web or in retreats during the day.
Abundance/Frequency: Uncommon
Prey: Frequently captures mosquitoes.
Behavior: Active at night, returning to the retreat during the day.
Status in North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program Status:
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 Photo Gallery for Araneus miniatus - Black-spotted Orbweaver

Photos: 12

Recorded by: Ken Kneidel on 2022-10-25
Mecklenburg Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: R. Newman on 2022-09-14
Carteret Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Mark Basinger on 2022-04-22
Brunswick Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Mark Basinger on 2022-04-22
Brunswick Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Erich Hofmann and Kayla Weinfurther on 2022-04-03
New Hanover Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2021-09-29
Durham Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2020-08-13
New Hanover Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2020-02-03
Durham Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2019-04-22
New Hanover Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2017-04-18
Carteret Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2014-08-24
Surry Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: FKW on 2006-04-29
Gates Co.
Comment: