The fleur de lis, a stylized lily that has long been a sign of French royalty, is an odd thing to find on the back of a spider. But that’s exactly what makes the cross orbweaver, an interesting web-spinner, stand out. This spider’s unique markings on its abdomen that look like a heraldic cross or fleur de lis catch people’s attention all over its range.
Identifying the Cross Orbweaver
This spider is also known as the crowned orb weaver, the diadem spider, and the European garden spider. But its scientific name is Araneus diadematus.
The cross orbweaver is a common orb-weaving spider that lives in part of Asia, parts of Europe, and North America. It comes out of gardens, fields, and forests and weaves big, round webs to catch flying bugs.
Here are the key facts for identifying this spider
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Size: Females range from 0.26 to 0.79 inches long. Males are smaller at 0.22 to 0.51 inches.
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Color Variable background color from pale yellow to dark gray
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Abdomen: Distinctive white cross or fleur de lis marking formed by guanine crystals.
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Legs: Long, with specialized claws for clinging to web strands.
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Webs: Builds circular orb webs up to 2 feet across, often near foliage.
Orb-weaving spiders are the only ones with a clear white fleur de lis pattern on the abdomen. It looks like the famous symbol of French kings, which gives the spider a royal touch.
Spinning Spectacular Webs
The female cross orbweaver is the architect that diligently constructs the large circular webs. The webs have concentric sticky spirals surrounded by supporting strands.
To catch flying prey, the spider waits in the web’s center then senses vibrations from insects caught in the sticky silk. It rapidly wraps prey in more silk before eating. The web also serves as the spider’s daytime hangout.
If disturbed, the cross orbweaver vibrates rapidly to startle predators. This blurring behavior may help it appear larger and more threatening.
Habits and Habitat
Cross orbweavers are most noticeable in late summer and fall when mature females build their trademark webs. The species overwinters as juveniles or eggs before reaching maturity in spring.
In urban and suburban areas, these spiders frequently spin webs on porches, gardens, and buildings. Rural populations thrive in open fields, meadows, and forest clearings.
Though rarely biting humans, female cross orbweavers may become defensive if their web is disturbed. Their venom poses no real danger to people.
A Familiar Backyard Spider
With its regal markings, impressive web, and comfort around humans, the cross orbweaver is a familiar backyard spider for many. Encountering one peacefully waiting in its web can inspire appreciation for the adaptability and beauty of spiders.
So next time you notice a spider with the fleur de lis on its abdomen, take a moment to admire this small hunter. Allow it to continue catching flies unbothered and marvel at this fascinating little creature in your backyard.
Caring for Jasmine Flowers at Home
When you get your jasmine flowers home, you need to take the following steps to make sure they stay beautiful and smell good for as long as possible:
- Trim stems and place immediately in clean, fresh water. Change the water daily.
- Keep flowers in a cool spot out of direct sunlight.
- Mist blooms occasionally with soft or filtered water.
- Get rid of any flowers that fade or turn brown to stop the decay from spreading.
- For the best scent, put it somewhere open (not in a vase).
- Keep away from drafts, vents or ripening fruit (ethylene gas).
- For important events, flowers can be kept overnight in water that has been chilled.
With the right care, a batch of fresh jasmine can last up to a week for your enjoyment.
Where to Buy Jasmine Flowers Locally
Luckily, with the availability of imports, it’s relatively easy to find authentic, high-quality Indian jasmine flowers in most major US metros. Here are some tips on finding fresh jasmine near you:
- Look around your city for Indian grocery stores or flower shops. Fresh jasmine is often flown in from India several times a week and sold at these stores. The flowers are well taken care of, and you can check their quality and smell.
- Look for online sellers that ship nationwide. Many flower shops that specialize in Indian flowers now ship fresh jasmine all over the country. You can order jasmine to be brought right to your door with services like Jasmine Flowers 2 Go and Jasmine for SoCal.
- Ask friends for local recommendations. Check with Indian coworkers, friends, or neighbors to see where they get their jasmine flowers. People are usually happy to share supplier information.
- Search local listings on Google Maps. If you search for “Indian flowers” or “jasmine flowers near me,” you can find flower shops and Indian flower shops in your area.
- Check for local farmers markets or nurseries. Some specialty nurseries and farms in cities may grow jasmine plants and sell cut flowers. Bonus – locally grown flowers are fresher.
- Look for temples or cultural centers. Jasmine flowers can be bought at Hindu or Indian cultural centers, temples, mosques, and churches for ceremonies or as gifts.
Baby funnel-web spiders everywhere!
FAQ
Is a cross orbweaver spider poisonous?
While orb weaver spiders can bite and are venomous, they are not considered a threat to humans. Sep 22, 2021.
Is an arrowhead spider poisonous?
The arrowhead spider is a harmless species of spider to humans.
Are spiny-backed spiders poisonous?
How serious are spinybacked orb weaver spiders? Spinybacked orb weaver spiders are mostly harmless. Their large webs often startle and annoy people, but the pests pose no serious health risks. Infestations can become large, as their egg sacs contain over 200 offspring.
Are red stripe spiders poisonous?
Background. Redback spiders (Latrodectus hasselti) (RBSs) are venomous spiders that produce the neurotoxin (alpha-latrotoxin) [1].
What is a kruisspin Spider?
People in the Netherlands often see them. We call them “kruisspin,” which means “cross spider” because of the cross on the back, which the OP calls a “fleur de lis.” It’s kind of cool that these spiders don’t hide. They stay in the middle of their webs most of the time, making it hard to miss them. If it isn’t perfect, don’t call it perfect.
What does a garden spider look like?
That said, all garden spiders feature characteristic white markings across the dorsal side of the abdomen. These spots make the shape of a cross, which looks like a fleur de lis. This is why it is sometimes called the cross spider. The abdomen appears quite bulbous and sports a covering of tiny hairs.
Does a garden spider save a spotted lanternfly?
Elaborately wrapping it, this Garden Spider saves a Spotted Lanternfly for her next meal. Garden spiders display sexual dimorphism, with females measuring larger than males. Females range in length between 6.5 and 20 millimeters, while males vary from 5.5 to 13 millimeters long.
Do garden spiders have sexual dimorphism?
Garden spiders display sexual dimorphism, with females measuring larger than males. Females range in length between 6.5 and 20 millimeters, while males vary from 5.5 to 13 millimeters long. Depending on the specimen, they come in a range of colors, including dark gray, light yellow, orangish-red, and dark brown.
How many legs does a garden spider have?
Like all spiders, they possess eight legs, four to each side, which are covered in spiky hairs. Originally hailing from Europe, you can now find garden spiders throughout North America. They typically live in grasslands, parks, and gardens, hence their name. They require access to moisture and plenty of sites that they can use to attach their webs.
What does a chelicera look like?
Body 12-25mm long, with black and yellow bars. It makes a small bed low in rough grass and decorates it with a pale fluffy zigzag of woolly silk down the centre. It preys on grasshoppers and bush crickets, and is found mostly in southern England. Body 15-25mm long. Dull black with shining bottle-green chelicerae (fang bases).