Arachnids of North Carolina
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View Araneidae Members: NC Records

Larinioides patagiatus - an orbweaver


Note jagged lines to edge of dorsum pattern
Note black metatarsus IV
Taxonomy
Order: ARANEAEInfraorder: AraneomorphaeFamily: Araneidae                                                                                 
Comments: Pronounced lar-i-nee-OY-deez. Formerly genus Nuctenea
Species Comment: Other common name Foliate orbweaver - referring to the distinct dorsal pattern.
Identification
Online Description/Photos: BugGuide Google, iNaturalist, Wikipedia, GBIFTechnical Description: Spiders of North America - Bradley; Spiders of the Carolinas – Gaddy; Bugguide
Comments: Variable, can appear similar to L. cornutus. Abdomen typically more of a reddish brown. Black folium pattern has continuous thin white lines formed by conspicuous hairs at the margins of the folium. Sides of abdomen below folium pattern usually shows some black mottling. Cephalathorax is red, brown or gray and appears to be clothed in light-colored hairs. Legs are banded with stiff hairs. Males are smaller, can look similar but duller and less distinctly patterned.
Total Length: Small to medium, female total body length 5.5-11.0 mm, male total body length 5.8-6.5 mm.Adult ID: identifiable by photo
Distribution in North Carolina
Comments: Uncommon throughout North Carolina, more common towards higher elevation, sometimes locally numerous. Found from Georgia north to the northern United States and all of Canada. Adults can be active all year, most common from June to 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: forest edge at higher elevations. Less associated with open water habitats preferring higher and drier sites.
Observation Methods: Visual observation, sweep netting, beat sheets.
Abundance/Frequency: Occassional.
Silk / Web: Medium sized orb web up to 25 cm, built low in taller vegetation, shrubs and brushes. Web construction: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Path-and-activity-patterns-of-Larinioides-patagiatus-during-web-construction_fig5_256375675.
Predators: Parastized by wasps, such as Acrotaphus wiltii.
Behavior: Mostly nocturnal, during daytime hides in a silk retreat. Like other members of the genus, this spider may go to the web using any radial thread but on occassion does construct a signal line to the hub.
Status in North Carolina
Natural Heritage Program Status:
Natural Heritage Program Ranks:
State Protection:
Comments:

 Photo Gallery for Larinioides patagiatus - an orbweaver

Photos: 14

Recorded by: Mark Basinger on 2024-08-05
Mitchell Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2024-08-01
Yancey Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2024-08-01
Yancey Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2024-08-01
Yancey Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2024-08-01
Yancey Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2024-08-01
Yancey Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2024-08-01
Yancey Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2024-08-01
Yancey Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2024-07-16
Mitchell Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2023-08-17
Yancey Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2023-08-17
Yancey Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2021-04-21
Cumberland Co.
Comment:
Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn on 2021-04-21
Cumberland Co.
Comment: 		Recorded by: J. A. Anderson on 2016-06-28
Yancey Co.
Comment: