Orchard Weaver Spider Poisonous? Debunking the Myths

Orchard orbweaver spiders, scientifically known as Leucauge argyrobapta and Leucauge venusta, are small, attractive spiders that are quite common in the eastern United States. These spiders are known for their distinctive, colorful appearance and their ability to spin intricate orb-shaped webs in various environments, including orchards and gardens.

While some people might worry about the potential danger posed by these spiders, it’s important to note that orchard orbweavers are not considered venomous to humans. They do have venom glands, but their venom is primarily used for subduing their insect prey, not posing a threat to people. This makes encounters with orchard orbweavers generally safe and non-threatening.

Orchard Weaver Spider Overview

Physical Description

The Orchard Weaver Spider, also known as Leucauge argyrobapta, is an attractive small spider. They can be found in the eastern US and are part of the Arachnida class. This spider has a yellowish-green cephalothorax with brown stripes on the sides. The abdomen is somewhat elongated.

Characteristic Features

• Delicate appearance
• Colorful body
• Creates horizontal or angled circular webs
• Hangs in the middle of its web, back to the ground

Size

Orchard Weaver Spiders are small in size. Their body length is typically around half an inch.

Example of an Orchard Weaver Spider compared to a familiar object:

• Roughly the size of a pencil eraser

Comparison table between Orchard Weaver Spider and a similar species, the Jumping Spider:

Identification and Distribution

Habitat

The orchard orbweaver (Leucauge venusta) is a delicate and colorful spider belonging to the family Tetragnathidae. They are commonly found in:

• Gardens
• Woodlands
• Bushy areas

Distribution

Orchard orbweavers have a wide distribution across North America, covering areas such as:

• Eastern United States
• Southern Canada
• Mexico
• Central America

Their range extends as far north as New York in the United States and reaches even into some parts of Canada.

Identification features:

• Yellowish-green carapace
• Brown stripes on the sides
• Elongated abdomen
• Delicate, circular webs (usually positioned horizontally or at an angle to the ground)

In conclusion, the orchard orbweaver is a distinctive spider found predominantly in North America, specifically the eastern United States, southern Canada, Mexico, and Central America. Its unique habitat and appearance make it easy to identify among the members of the Tetragnathidae family.

Behavior and Diet

The Web

Orchard orbweaver spiders construct delicate, circular webs. These webs typically have a horizontal or angled orientation with respect to the ground. The spider hangs in the middle of the web with its back facing the ground ¹. Some examples of orb-weaver web lengths include:

• Long webs: Over 1 meter across ²
• Short webs: Smaller, for catching smaller insects

Prey

Orchard orbweavers primarily prey on flying insects. Their choice of prey includes:

• Mosquitoes
• Flies
• Wasps
• Moths
• Beetles

Occasionally, they might also capture other small insects or even small birds in their webs.

Orchard Spider Diet

These spiders play a vital role in controlling insect populations within their habitat. Their diet consists of the insects caught in their webs. Some key features of an orchard orbweaver’s diet include:

• Predominantly flying insects
• Contributes to natural pest control
• Keeps their surroundings balanced in terms of insect populations

Orchard Weaver Spider Life Cycle

Eggs

The female Leucauge spider lays eggs, typically in a sheltered area. The eggs are enclosed in a silken sac which protects them until they hatch.

Spiderlings

Once hatched, the tiny spiderlings emerge from the eggs and begin to grow. They molt several times as they increase in size, gradually resembling the adult spiders and becoming more independent.

Lifespan

Males:

• Shorter lifespan than females
• Reach adulthood, mate, then die

Females:

• Longer lifespan than males
• Lay eggs repeatedly throughout their life

In summary, Orchard weaver spiders go through three main life stages: eggs, spiderlings, and adulthood. Females have a longer lifespan than males, and are responsible for laying eggs and giving birth to new generations of spiders.

Venom and Potential Dangers

Bite

Orchard orbweavers are not aggressive spiders and their bites are generally rare. If the spider happens to bite, it might cause mild pain, swelling, or numbness, but it’s not considered medically significant. For example:

• Orchard orbweaver bites: mild pain, swelling, numbness
• Black widow bites: severe pain, muscle cramps, nausea

Venom

The venom of orchard orbweavers (Leucauge venusta) is primarily used for prey capture and defense. Compared to other venoms, such as the ones from black widows and brown recluses, orchard orbweaver venom is relatively harmless to humans. See the comparison table below:

Medical Implications

Being bitten by an orchard orbweaver is generally harmless and may require no medical intervention. However, some people might experience allergic reactions to the bite. If you suspect an allergy, seek medical attention. Important aspects to consider:

• Allergies: Seek medical help if needed
• No dangerous venom: No severe complications are expected

In summary, orchard orbweaver spiders have low-potency venom, which does not pose significant risks to humans. Their bites are usually harmless, and while some allergic reactions may occur, these spiders are far less dangerous than black widows or brown recluses.

Interesting Facts and Additional Information

Quick Facts

• Species name: Leucauge argyrobapta
• Synonym: L. venusta
• Family: Long-jawed orb weaver spiders
• Discovery: Discovered by Adam White in 1841
• Range: Mainly in South America (Colombia, Brazil, and Paris)

The Leucauge argyrobapta, also known as the Orchard orbweaver, is a small and attractive spider which is not considered dangerous to humans. Its bite is mild, and symptoms can include nausea, but this occurs only in rare cases¹.

Historical Background

The Orchard orbweaver was first discovered by Adam White in 1841. The World Spider Catalog recognizes two species, Leucauge argyrobapta and L. venusta, which are collectively considered some of the most common spiders in the eastern U.S.². Charles Darwin, on his voyage to South America, collected many specimens of these spiders³.

Scientific Taxonomy

Physical Characteristics

• Abdomen: Elongated and often colorful with spots
• Carapace: Rounded and often shiny
• Fangs: Orbweavers are equipped with fangs to inject venom into their prey, but this venom is mild and not dangerous to humans

Leucauge argyrobapta belongs to the family Tetragnathidae, commonly known as long-jawed orb weavers, and is considered part of the orb-weaver spider group. It shares its habitat with other orbweaver species such as the Hormiga Ballesteros. They are mostly found in forests across Colombia, Brazil, and even Paris⁴.

As predators, these spiders rely on their webs to catch prey. They are not considered dangerous to humans, making them a fascinating addition to the ecosystems where they reside⁵. The American Arachnological Society’s Committee on Common Names of Arachnids recognizes the name “orchard orbweaver” for this species⁶.