Furrow Spider - Larinioides cornutus

Larinioides cornutus – (Furrow Spider)

The Furrow Spider can range from brown, to tan, to gray, white, or even black. On a rare occasion, they may even have a reddish shade to them. The markings on the abdomen can range from brown, to black, and on a rare occasion can have a white outline to some of the markings.

The markings on the back of the abdomen are very distinctive and other than a color difference, the pattern is very similar between all Furrow Spiders. The problem is I cannot figure out how to put the description into words. If anyone can figure out how to do this, please do so and if I find on a like, I will use it. …. I guess you can imagine two columns of squares and both columns alternating between one darker color and another lighter color, and then the outside of the pattern being trimmed away into a sort of cloud shape.

Bite Info

 For bite and other information, please return to Orb Weavers

SIZE:
Body Length = 9/16” (14mm)
Leg span = 1 1/4" (32mm)



Photographed by: Steve Foxer - Goodrich Michigan

 



Photographer unknown - If you sent this picture to me, please email me to verify




Photographer unknown - If you sent this picture to me, please email me to verify



Shamrock Spider - Araneus trifolium

Araneus trifolium – (Shamrock Spider / Pumpkin Spider)

NOTE** - This species is nearly identical to Araneus groenlandicola. I have yet to learn how to tell the two apart. However, since every site I go to has far more of the A.trifolium, I have decided to make that the dominant species and make the side note about the A.groenlandicola.

The quickest way to recognize the Shamrock Spider from other Garden Orb Weavers, is the white bands on the legs. Not all of the Shamrock Spiders have these white bands, but when you do see the white bands, it is likely an Araneus trifolium.

The abdomen of the Shamrock Spider can range from white to yellow to brown or orange, and has a scattering of small white markings. It is due to the sometimes bright orange abdomens that it received its nick name as the Pumpkin Spider.

Another attributing factor for that nickname is the fact that they are most often seen in the fall time when pumpkins become popular. As the Fall sets in, their abdomens will enlarge, making them much more noticeable.

Bite Info

 For bite and other information, please return to Orb Weavers

SIZE:
Body Length = Size not confirmed
Leg span = Size not confirmed

Photographed by: Vic Burcar - Yale, Michigan

Cross Spider - Araneus diadematus

Araneus diadematus – (Cross Spider)

 The most tell-tale marking on the Cross Spider is the collection of white or light tan markings on the back of the abdomen that form a fancy looking cross. The rest of the spider will vary from light brown with darker markings (other than the cross), to Yellow with brown markings or gray with dark gray markings. The cross seems to always be white or a pale tan.

The abdomen is large and bulbous, but is largest towards the front and slightly tapered toward the rear.

The legs are of medium width and are banded and covered with spiny hairs.

Bite Info

 For bite and other information, please return to Orb Weavers

SIZE
Body Length = 13/16” (20mm)
Leg span = 2 1/2" (64mm)

Photographed by: Erin Foster - Howell, Michigan

Photographed by: K.J.Ester - Madison Heights, Michigan