Female orbweavers (family Araneidae), like these beauties, construct intricate, circular webs to ensnare their insect prey. Adult male orbweavers are typically smaller and not often seen. They generally do not spin webs, but wander in the search for potential mates. You’ll find Banded Garden Spiders in open places with tall grasses or shrubs across southern Canada and throughout the U.S. (and many other countries around the world). The females will soon die, but the next generation will overwinter as eggs in a kettledrum-shaped sac that may contain more than 1000 eggs.
Size: Body length 15-25 mm (female), 4-6 mm (male)
Photos by: Noel Moon on 9/4/21 in Missoula County, MT
