The Spiny Backed Orb Spider is a species of spider that looks like they come right out of a fantasy story. These odd-looking spiders are quite interesting, yet at the same time, are kind of scary. These spiders have spikes pointing outward on their abdomens. These odd-looking spiders are found all across America but are more abundant along the southern regions from California to Florida including Texas. A-Tex Pest Management would like to shed some insight into these amazing species and how you may occasionally find them in your home this spring.
Spiny Backed Orb Weaver Spider Identification
The spiny backed orb spider is most frequently seen inside homes during the spring and throughout the summer. They are a very odd-looking spider with a very small head or cephalothorax or the part where the head and legs attach. Their head and legs are usually black. However, it is the abdomen that makes them look so unique. Their abdomen looks much like a crab’s back as it has spiny points or spikes along the outer edge of the abdomen. There are typically six spines together. Also, the abdomen is very colorful and ranges in colors. Some will be red, white, and black, or yellows and oranges. Most of the time their spines are brightly colored. You’ll most often see reds, oranges and yellows. While the spines are bright colors, the crab shell-like abdomen is usually spotted. The shell is usually white or yellow with black spots. The spiny backed orb spider also varies in size from ¼ of an inch to a ½ an inch in length. Another way to identify a spiny backed orb spider is by their web. They create a classic looking spider web. However, they spin more threads on the outside and in the center of the web leaving the center slightly more open.
Are Spiny Backed Orb Weaver Spiders Harmful?
Spiny backed orb spiders don’t pose any major threat to humans. Their bites are not venomous to humans, carry no diseases, nor do they damage the home. They are mostly are considered a nuisance because they prefer to create their webs on window ledges, and in the corners of ceilings and walls. They are considered a garden spider and prefer to remain outdoors. Nonetheless, they sometimes get carried inside with potted plants or will occasionally wander inside. As long as they remain outside they are considered a beneficial spider that helps eat pests that damage agriculture crops.
Spiny Backed Orb Weaver Spider Prevention
However, if they do enter and leave their egg sacks in your home, a single female can have up to 260 eggs in each egg sac. To help prevent a bunch of spiderlings from roaming around inside your home, it is best to keep spiny backed orb spiders outside. The common method to keep spiders out of your home is to seal the gaps or cracks around the house using caulking glue. Also, make sure the screens are in place around the windows and that they are in good condition and are able to keep pests out. However, nothing is better than the help of a pest control company.
Spider Inspections, Control & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park, Texas
A-Tex Pest Management can help keep spiders and other pests out and away from home. For all your pest control needs, contact A-Tex Pest Management!