Spinybacked Orbweaver

Life Cycle

Color: White, yellow, red, or black forms
Size: Females about 5–10 mm long
Key Markings: Broad abdomen with spines
Activity: Waits in an orb web
Common Areas: Shrubs, trees, exterior spaces

Description

Gasteracantha cancriformis

The spinybacked orbweaver has a broad, spined abdomen and builds a wheel-shaped web. Coloration varies. These spiders capture flying insects outdoors and are often noticed between shrubs or near buildings. Eggs are placed in silk sacs and young grow by molting.

Spiders develop from eggs to spiderlings and adults through repeated molts. They do not pass through insect larval or pupal stages.

What Attracts Them?

Flying insects
Vegetation supporting webs
Sheltered outdoor web locations

How Do They Get Inside?

Usually remains outdoors
May be carried on objects
Occasional entry through open doors

Signs of an Infestation

Circular webs near vegetation

Spined spiders at web centers

Webs rebuilt in favored locations

Silk lines between nearby supports

How Serious or Harmful Are They?

This is generally a beneficial outdoor spider. UF/IFAS reports no known serious effects from its bite. Web placement may still be inconvenient near walkways or entrances.

Treatment / How to Get Rid of Them

What You Can Do

Leave undisturbed spiders away from activity areas
Remove accessible webs where needed
Reduce insect attraction near entries
Keep vegetation from blocking pathways

How Pest Guys Helps

The A-C-T Process: Assess. Communicate. Treat.

Assess — We inspect your property, identify pests and activity, locate nesting and hiding areas, and find contributing conditions.

Communicate — We explain our findings, discuss the recommended plan, answer your questions, and confirm understanding and agreement.

Treat — We put the agreed plan into action, perform the initial treatment, provide ongoing service, and monitor results to adjust as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for first?

Broad abdomen with spines. Circular webs near vegetation. A clear photograph and the location of activity can help with identification.

What conditions should I check?

Start with flying insects. Leave undisturbed spiders away from activity areas.

Does seeing one mean there is an infestation?

A single sighting does not establish the extent of a problem. Repeated activity, developing young, nests, or other evidence help us determine what is happening.

How does Pest Guys decide what to do?

We use A-C-T: Assess, Communicate, Treat. The pest, its location, and the conditions at your home guide the recommendation. We explain the plan and any preparation needed before service.