This information applies to North Carolina conditions and may not be applicable elsewhere. Most orb spiders spin the familiar round orb web, with some species resting head downward in the middle of the web and others resting in a leaf shelter or other retreat above the web. Decks, porches, and eaves of houses provide stable foundations for webs, shelter from rain and wind, and an abundance of insects attracted to lights at night.
Most species live one year, but some survive longer.
Orb spiders are not aggressive and, like the vast majority of spiders, are not dangerous to people. Bites are rare and usually are no worse than a bee or wasp sting. Spiders in sites where they are unwelcome may be moved on a broom to a more remote part of the yard. This page last modified on 06 November 1996 by M.J. Munster .