The Cross Orb Weaver is an introduced European spider now common in North American gardens, bearing a distinctive white cross-like pattern of dots on its mottled brown-to-orange abdomen. It rebuilds its large, perfect orb web each morning after consuming the old silk. Females are the web-builders, while tiny males must approach cautiously to mate without being eaten.
Best time to see a Cross Orb Weaver
The best time to see a Cross Orb Weaver is July–September, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 31,273 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Cross Orb Weaver? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Cross Orb Weaver sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Cross Orb Weaver? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Cross Orb Weaver is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.