Comments & ID Thoughts
Cyclosa conica (Pallas, 1772), male. A type of Orb weaver spider.
- Submitted by:
- Submitted: Oct 24, 2018
- Photographed: Oct 20, 2018
- Spider: Cyclosa conica
- Sex:Male,
- Maturity:Immature
- Location: Mt. Manuel Quimper, Sooke (Vancouver Island), British Columbia, Canada
- Spotted Outdoors: Low foliage (shrubs, herbs, garden, excluding flowers),Forest
- Found in web?: Yes
- Attributes: Dorsal, Penultimate
We have many of these spiders on our property. We live in a forested area near Oregon City, Oregon. My husband took one to the local extension office in Oregon City and they identified it, saying that they don’t bite. I’m not too sure about that…but we do know that they love living in our rhododendron bushes! After working in the rhododendrons – trimming them up – my head was full of welts about the size of nickles and quarters. I assumed it was these little guys. Any insight on that? Since the bites, my health has declined considerably.
This minute spiders (less than 1/4 inch in total length) does not have fangs large enough to break through human skin if it were to bite either during mishandling or from being pinched in clothing while gardening. The venom is of no medical importance and these spiders are of no risk to humans or pets.
Thank you.