Orbweaving Spiders
Araneidae
Appearance
Range & Habitat
Reciprocal Relationships
Like many other spiders, orbweavers only bite humans if they are in danger. These bites have very mild toxins that are typically not harmful to humans but do help spiders immobilize insects for consumption. If a human is bitten, at most, there is a mild bug bite. Despite this, many people are quick to kill the orbweaver due to arachnophobia or a lack of understanding.
Since there are thousands of species of orbweavers, they act as an important component of the food chain. Spiders prey on many flies, mosquitoes, or other flying insects, which help maintain balance within our ecosystems. These flying insects might damage or otherwise harm flowers that other pollinators need. Furthermore, mosquitoes and other flying insects can carry diseases, and their consumption by spiders can reduce disease transmission.
