Barn Orb Weaver Araneus cavaticus
Identification
This spider has brown mottled body and builds large evening webs.
Location
Common statewide
Size
Half inch body
Diet
It feeds on flying insects.
Habitat
It occurs in barns forests and porches.
Activity Period
July to October
Behavior
It rebuilds its web nightly. It is active in late summer.
Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in late summer.
Population
The population is stable statewide.
History
It has long been widespread in Ohio.
Human Interactions
It is harmless and shy.
Facts
It inspired the spider in the book Charlotte Web.
Sources
ODNR NatureServe
Flying insects | Barns sheds forests | Statewide