Araneus gemmoides
(Cat-faced Spider)

Picture ID 46923

Comments & ID Thoughts

I think it may be a ground crab spider. I not sure.

Submitted by:
allenjohnsonphd
Submitted: Oct 30, 2018
Photographed: Oct 30, 2018
Spider: Araneus gemmoides (Cat-faced Spider)
Location: Richland, Washington, United States
Spotted Outdoors: Man-made structure (building wall, fences, etc.)
Found in web?: No
Attributes: Dorsal

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allenjohnsonphd

Photo Owner

October 30, 2018 1:06 pm

Can anyone help identify this spider? It is about a half inch wide and 3/4″ long. It is sitting stock still on the side of our house.

Arcticwolf115

Reply to allenjohnsonphd

October 30, 2018 4:14 pm

HI there, this spider in our photo may be a Araneus gemma :3

-1

allenjohnsonphd

Photo Owner

October 30, 2018 5:28 pm

I have just received information from Rod Crawford of the Burke Museum in Seattle on this spider:

“It’s a cat-faced orbweaver, scientific name Araneus gemmoides. The species is variable in color, and is often brighter or lighter orange than this, but can be so dark as to be almost black. The pointed humps on the abdomen remind some people of cats’ ears. They have been found all over eastern Washington.

Like all orbweavers, it makes an orb web (the round, spiral type of web) which are made only by orbweavers. No orbweaver poses any significant danger to humans.”