Categories

Spider by bedroom window
Dear Bugman,
I’ve just discovered this scary spider outside my bedroom window. Is it poisonous or harmful to either me or my cat? I have just moved to Marin county in Northern California, and my back yard is home to a startling number of spider webs. Could you tell me if there are other spiders I should beware of in this area? We have friends who have small children. Thanks so much for your knowledge and information.
Hilary

Hi Hilary,
Your Orb Weaver is a Garden Spider or Cross Spider, Araneus diadematus. It can be identified by the median row of diamond-shaped silvery spots on the abdomen traversed by a dark line, hence the common name Cross Spider. According to our Audubon Field Guide this species was introduced from Europe and ranges in the East. Despite California’s strict produce importation laws, new species seem to get introduced. Luckily, this is not a harmful species. The spider builds a large orb web and hangs face down waiting for flying and jumping insects. It is found in city and suburban hardens between homes and shrubs. An unusual habit is that the spider eats the remains of its web and spins a new web each night. Your dangerous spiders are Black Widows and Violin Spiders.

Dear Daniel,
Thank you so much for your interesting reply. We will re-locate the spider to some bushes outside of our yard. Although, it has been kind of fun watching it for a few days. It’s amazing how the web can withstand such strong winds.
Hilary

Related Posts

1. Cross Spider: Brun Spindel Naerbild (December 16, 2005)
2. Cross Spider (November 11, 2004)
3. Cross Spider (October 1, 2005)
4. Cross Spider (November 6, 2008)
5. St. Andrew’s Cross Spider from Singapore (February 5, 2009)