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Spiny-bellied Orbweaver (Micrathena gracilis)

This spider is easily identified by its abdomen, which has five pairs of spiny protuberances aroung its edges.

Description: The carapace (hard outer covering on the back) is shiny black with yellow edges. It has black legs. Females are much larger (7-10 mm) than the males (5 mm).

Habitat: This orbweaver lives in dense woods. The females' webs stretch from one tree branch to another about seven feet above the ground. This specie's range is the eastern United States from Massachusetts south to Florida and west to the Rocky Mountains.

Collection of the Illinois State Museum
Photograph by Bryan McGee
Accession #: 33

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