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

Araneus nordmanni - an orbweaver


Immature
Female
Male
Taxonomy
Order: ARANEAEInfraorder: AraneomorphaeFamily: Araneidae                                                                                 
Identification
Online Description/Photos: BugGuide Google, iNaturalist, Wikipedia, GBIFTechnical Description: Spiders of North America - Bradley; Spiders of the Carolinas – Gaddy; Bugguide
Comments: Large spider with dramatic black and white color forms and well defined abdominal humps. The abdomens of some are mottled brown with a light spot at the front of the centerline of the abdomen. Others have a black and white abdomen with a black folium, a black band between the humps, and a black bordered white spot or spots at the front centerline. The dark folium on the abdomen is bordered by a light wavy margin usually with three constrictions. All varieties have banded legs. The similar looking A. saevus has a more distinct white centerline at the front of the abdomen as well as a folium that usually has four constrictions.
Total Length: Medium to large, female 7-19 mm, male 6-10 mmAdult ID: identifiable by photo of specific features and/or supplementary info
Distribution in North Carolina
Comments: Mountain region of North Carolina. Canada, western and northeastern United States, Appalachians south to Tennessee and North Carolina. Males in summer, females in summer and fall, peak September.
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: Usually found near boulders and trees in dark mature forests.
Observation Methods: Visual observation.
Abundance/Frequency: Uncommon
Behavior: After capturing prey this spider returns to it's retreat to feed. Where this species overlaps with A. saevus, nordmanni is smaller. Where there is no overlap it is larger, suggesting an ecological interaction between these similar spiders (Levi 1971).
Status in North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program Status:
Natural Heritage Program Ranks:
State Protection:
Comments:

 Photo Gallery for Araneus nordmanni - an orbweaver

Photos: 21

Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2024-10-01
Macon Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2024-10-01
Macon Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2024-08-22
Macon Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2024-07-17
Ashe Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2024-07-16
Ashe Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2024-07-16
Mitchell Co.
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Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2024-07-16
Mitchell Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2024-07-16
Mitchell Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2024-07-16
Mitchell Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2024-07-16
Mitchell Co.
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Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2024-07-02
Macon Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2024-06-18
Macon Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2024-06-16
Macon Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2020-08-26
Buncombe Co.
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Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2020-07-29
Orange Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: B. McRae on 2020-05-04
Macon Co.
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Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2019-07-16
Yancey Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2016-04-17
Watauga Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2015-10-07
Durham Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: B. Bockhahn, K. Kittelberger, P. Scharf on 2015-06-17
Caldwell Co.
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Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2015-06-17
Watauga Co.
Comment: