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Cave Orb Weaver

Meta ovalis

UncommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Cave Orb Weaver (Meta ovalis)

The Cave Orb Weaver is a medium-sized spider that specializes in caves, mine shafts, and dark culverts, building small orb webs in the twilight zone near cave entrances where small flying insects enter. It is one of the most widespread cave-associated spiders in North America, though it does not require caves and can be found in any consistently dark, humid microhabitat.

Habitat
Caves, mine shafts, dark culverts, and sheltered ravines
Diet
Adults: small cave-dwelling and cave-entering insects
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Cave Orb Weaver

The best time to see a Cave Orb Weaver is May–September, when about 67% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,010 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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