Spiders of North Carolina

Arachnids of North Carolina

Order:
Scientific Name: Common Name:		Family (Alpha):

Araneus pratensis - an orbweaver Araneidae Members:			NC Records	BugGuide Account	Public View

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Distribution Records
PDF

Vetting Levels

Adult phenology:
High Mountains (HM) ≥ 4,000 ft.
Low Mountains (LM) < 4,000 ft.
Piedmont (Pd)
Coastal Plain (CP)

Click on graph to enlarge

synonym

taxonomic_comments

species_comment

one common name is Openfield Orbweaver

id_comments

Small orbweaver with a long oval abdomen. Most individuals are yellowish, but some are darker with brown longitudinal bands. Extent of color variable, you could say dark brown with yellowish longitudinal bands on sides and a pair down centerline. The lack of black in the head region and brown rather than black banding on the abdomen distinguishes this species from other small orbweavers with oval abdomens.

total_length

Very small, female 3.8-5 mm, male 3-3.5 mm

structural_features

silk_web

Small orb web, 20cm.

fld_guide_descriptions

online_photos

prey

predators

behavior

This spider occupies a small orb (about 20 cm) even during the day, when disturbed it drops to the ground.

distribution_reference

technical_reference

Spiders of North America - Bradley; Spiders of the Carolinas – Gaddy; Bugguide

adult_id

1 identifiable by photo 2 identifiable by photo of specific features and/or supplementary info 3 identifiable from specimen only

abundance

Uncommon, small and likely overlooked.

distribution_comments

Likely statewide in North Carolina, more common in foothills and Piedmont. Occurs throughout the east from New England to North Carolina, west to Minnesota and Kansas. Males in late spring, female in summer and autumn, though could be found year round.

checklist_mt_high
>=4,000 ft.

Regular	Frequent	Infrequent	Occasional	Seldom	Frequency Regular – almost always observed on given visit; >=90% chance of observation Frequent – usually observed on a given visit; >=50%<90% chance of observation Infrequent – observed less than 50% of visits; >=25%<50% chance of observation Occasional – observed on only on a small minority of visits; >=10%<25% chance of observation Seldom – not usually seen on visits; <10% chance of observation These terms refer to visits to appropriate habitats made at appropriate times of the year, making use of common sampling/observation methods. Under those conditions, Frequency refers to the chance of observing at least one individual on a given visit made anywhere within a particular region, or over multiple visits to a single site.

checklist_mt_low
<4,000 ft.

Regular	Frequent	Infrequent	Occasional	Seldom

checklist_pd
Piedmont

Regular	Frequent	Infrequent	Occasional	Seldom

checklist_cp
Coastal Plain

Regular	Frequent	Infrequent	Occasional	Seldom

habitat

Open field habitat, regenerated areas, open areas with goldenrod and broomsedge, even moist meadows.

observation_methods

Sweep net.

state_protection

NHP_ranks

NHP_status

status_comments

Photo Gallery for Araneus pratensis an orbweaver
	Recorded by: Brian Bockhahn Rockingham Co. Comment:

Photo Gallery for Araneus pratensis an orbweaver