The Cross Orb Weaver - The Spiders in Your Yard

An in-depth look at Araneus diadematus, the Cross Orbweaver, also known as the European Garden Spider, or Diadem Spider.
Unless otherwise credited, all photos and footage are my own.
Learn the real story of how orb webs are built:
• How Orb Webs Are Made ...
Explore the ecological importance of spiders:
• The Ecological Importa...
Check out Nancy Miorelli's (@SciBugs) excellent deep dive on the science behind insect decline:
• Where Have All The Bug...
Go read the paper about the web as an acoustic antenna!
www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073...
Get involved with the SpiderSpotter project to gather data about these creatures!
www.spinnenspotter.be/en/
Check out the channels of some folks who helped me out:
@scibugs
@millerswildlife
@mywildbackyard
@thewildlifebrothers
Get your Less Wronger is More Better mug at the Spiders in Your House Shopify store!
spidersinyourhouse.myshopify.com
Support me on Patreon (and get exclusive content)!
www.patreon.com/user?u=86046992
Follow me on Twitter:
x.com/travismcenery
Want to learn how to identify LOTS of spiders? Check out Sarah Rose's "Spiders of North America", the first book I reach for when identifying spiders (I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links).
If purchasing from the United States: amzn.to/3OGznzN
If purchasing from Canada: amzn.to/44Wz5dR
0:00 Introduction
1:46 Identification
5:46 Range and Distribution
7:37 Where They Build
10:48 The Bite and the Venom
13:14 What They Eat
15:56 How They Build the Web
17:31 How the Web Works
26:44 The Sense You Wouldn't Have Guessed
30:10 How They Don't Get Stuck in Their Own Webs
35:37 Intelligence
37:30 Life Cycle
43:00 The Future of the Cross Orb Weaver
47:20 Conclusion

[@travismcenery2919]

References Bays, S. M. (1962). A study of the training possibilities of Araneus diadematus Cl. Experientia, 18(9), 423-424. Briceño, R. D., & Eberhard, W. G. (2012). Spiders avoid sticking to their webs: clever leg movements, branched drip-tip setae, and anti-adhesive surfaces. Naturwissenschaften, 99, 337-341. Bristowe, W. S. (1958). The World of Spiders. Collins. Eggs, B., & Sanders, D. (2013). Herbivory in spiders: The importance of pollen for orb-weavers. PLoS One, 8(11), e82637. Elgar, M. A., & Nash, D. R. (1988). Sexual cannibalism in the garden spider Araneus diadematus. Animal Behaviour, 36(5), 1511-1517. Fischer, A., Schulz, S., Ayasse, M., & Uhl, G. (2021). Pheromone communication among sexes of the garden cross spider Araneus diadematus. The Science of Nature, 108(5), 38. Foelix, R. (2011). Biology of Spiders, 3rd ed. Oxford University Press. Kenis, M., Adriaens, T., Brown, P. M., Katsanis, A., Martin, G. S., Branquart, E., ... & Poland, R. L. (2017). Assessing the ecological risk posed by a recently established invasive alien predator: Harmonia axyridis as a case study. BioControl, 62, 341-354. Liu, K., Wang, M., Herzig, V., Liu, Z., Hu, W., Zhou, G., & Duan, Z. (2016). Venom from the spider Araneus ventricosus is lethal to insects but inactive in vertebrates. Toxicon, 115, 63-69. doi.org/10.1016/j.toxicon.2016.03.010 McKeown, N., Vetter, R. S., & Hendrickson, R. G. (2014). Verified spider bites in Oregon (USA) with the intent to assess hobo spider venom toxicity. Toxicon, 84, 51-55. Mortimer, B., Soler, A., Wilkins, L., & Vollrath, F. (2019). Decoding the locational information in the orb web vibrations of Araneus diadematus and Zygiella x-notata. Journal of the Royal Society Interface, 16(154), 20190201. Nyffeler, M., & Bonte, D. (2020). Where have all the spiders gone? Observations of a dramatic population density decline in the once very abundant garden spider, Araneus diadematus (Araneae: Araneidae), in the Swiss Midland. Insects, 11(4), 248. Ramousse, R. (1973). Body, web-building and feeding characteristics of males of the spider Araneus diadematus (Araneae: Araneidae). Psyche: A Journal of Entomology, 80, 22-47. Rhisiart, A. A., & Vollrath, F. (1994). Design features of the orb web of the spider, Araneus diadematus. Behavioral Ecology, 5(3), 280-287. Roggenbuck, H., Pekár, S., & Schneider, J. M. (2011). Sexual cannibalism in the European garden spider Araneus diadematus: the roles of female hunger and mate size dimorphism. Animal Behaviour, 81(4), 749-755. Rose S (2022). Spiders of North America. Princeton University Press. Schneider, J. M., & Vollrath, F. (1998). The effect of prey type on the geometry of the capture web of Araneus diadematus. The Science of Nature, 85, 391-394. Sloggett, J. J. (2010). Predation of ladybird beetles by the orb-web spider Araneus diadematus. BioControl, 55(5), 631-638. Vollrath, F., & Köhler, T. (1996). Mechanics of silk produced by loaded spiders. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences, 263(1369), 387-391. Zhou, J., Lai, J., Menda, G., Stafstrom, J. A., Miles, C. I., Hoy, R. R., & Miles, R. N. (2022). Outsourced hearing in an orb-weaving spider that uses its web as an auditory sensor. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 119(14), e2122789119. Zschokke, S. (1996). Early stages of orb web construction in Araneus diadematus Clerck. Rev Suisse Zool, 2, 709-720. Zschokke, S., Countryman, S., & Cushing, P. E. (2021). Spiders in space-orb-web-related behaviour in zero gravity. The Science of Nature, 108(1), 1.

[@Vernon-gn9wb]

One morning in my backyard i noticed a jumping spider hunting one of these orbweavers on the side of my apartment. The way she escaped fascinated me... she never moved back to that spot

[@qoph1988]

Good spides, thx

[@MetalWolfz]

On one very lonely and depressing night I decided to go for a walk to clear my head. About an hour into the walk I'm walking over a bridge and I see a spider building a web and I spent 30 minutes just observing this wonderful creature make this intricate and beautiful design and that really helped me that night.

[@squidikka]

ok

[@lightingthelatenight9942]

Glad we each can find the same similar beauty to be influential in times of need ;) hope you're doing well, friend

[@BugsandBiology]

Watching spiders spinning their webs never ceases to be captivating.

[@Dzeroed]

Many, many times myself also. They're fascinating and relaxing creatures. So far removed from all of our worries and problems they may as well be in another planet. Calms me

[@Dzeroed]

​@@squidikkaKO

[@CaveyMoth]

Site fidelity keeps me watching this channel.

[@jaythemoth]

Hilarious!😂

[@Pigrain]

Hi

[@julius_the_python]

I have absolutely called out of work due to spiders. There were a pair of baby orb weavers that had made a double web across my front door, and I just couldn't bring myself to wreck their pretty webs. I got to chill and watch movies and they got to eat - I had geckos at the time so sprinkled a few fruit flies in their webs as a gesture of friends.

[@travismcenery2919]

I love that this happened but I gotta know - what exactly did you tell your boss?

[@dcfromthev]

Did the call out for the weeks it would have taken for the webs to naturally go away?

[@dallaswalker340]

​@@dcfromthevorb weavers eat and rebuild their webs every day

[@maggiepfob]

My daughter calls these spiders "People-Catchers" because of the way they always build their webs across the porch stairs or sidewalks, etc. and also because of how strong their webs are. They're strong enough to make us step backwards if we run into one, and the web usually survives the encounter! Or if we do break it (sorry, spider dude!) you can literally hear it snap. We always know fall is finally underway when the first People Catcher web appears across the porch steps.

[@curiousKuro16]

For a while, a weaver like this made its web right in between my steps. I would open it like a gate by picking up two anchor threads and putting them back. They don't do that any more, but it is still always cool to find these spiders!

[@-Eternal-Damnation-]

Yeah here in the UK there are TONS of them! I used to hate putting out the bins as there would always be a gauntlet of these guys at the end of the garden 😂

[@travismcenery2919]

I love "people-catchers" as a nickname for them! Definitely apt.

[@JH-lz4dh]

@@curiousKuro16I LOVE that you did that!

[@jurtheorc8117]

@@travismcenery2919 Not to be confused with an object known as a man-catcher, a stick with a kind of clamp to trap other folks or animals in. Though now I am thinking of a mancatcher styled like a spider...

[@MyWildBackyard]

Man that orb weaver setup you made never fails to disappoint. Super frickin cool

[@skeeter197140]

Yay Spencer!

[@MyWildBackyard]

@@skeeter197140 👀

[@travismcenery2919]

I know! I still sort of can't believe it worked. Fed Claire tonight and she still seems just perfectly happy to stay there. Really wanna try it with Argiope. Come to think of it, I wonder if it would work with a Joro...

[@tadrakyn1691]

I went out on my porch one morning about a month ago and walked right through one of these beauty's webs. It was dark and I forgot it was there. When I reached up to wipe what I thought was just web off my face, to my horror the spider was on my forehead, and bit it when I touched her. I developed a red bump, was a little hot and nauseous for a couple of days, and it looked like a big pimple for a week or so. Inconvenient, but nothing severe. Before finding your channel I was a pretty big arachnophobe. I would have probably gone to urgent care, and certainly would have killed the spider. Instead I just kept an eye on the bite and noted it wasn't getting worse. And the spider is still making her web on my porch, but she generously moved it to a more convenient spot. I named her Stephanie. Thank you for your videos, please keep up the great work!

[@quantumblur_3145]

I'm relieved Stephanie survived. I hate the thought of crushing creatures accidentally in the dark

[@charlottedescant2130]

@@tadrakyn1691 Love this! So sweet you gave Stephanie a Name❣️ As I am not used of seeing Orb weavers here much, if that would’ve been me in your case…..I most likely would have passed out out cold 🥴😵‍💫 while Miss Spider thankfully survived and went about spinning in a new location. Seriously I have a new appreciation and respect for them as I learn more about them and gradually overcoming my phobia. Still have a bit (maybe a lot) for the crawling and climbing ones.

[@MicrowavedAlastair5390]

I know they're named for the pattern, but especially with the angry octopus, I am greatly amused by the idea that these spiders are perpetually peeved.

[@thetwitchywitchy]

😂 oh my god hahahaha i’m definitely going to think of cross as referring to them being annoyed instead of the pattern from now on lol that didn’t even register until i saw your comment after the octopus 😂😂

[@travismcenery2919]

Love this conceptualization. ;)

[@anna9072]

Actually, I didn’t think it looked angry, I think “Astonished Octopus” would be more apt.

[@MyWildBackyard]

Man this one was fantastic. I definitely look at orb weavers a little different now! And thanks for reminding me about the invertebrate crisis, man I’m scared to see what the next few decades look like for our creepy crawly friends

[@skeeter197140]

These are the spiders I was trying to describe to you one time. I had no idea what they were called. I hate 'em.

[@chermal7311]

​@@skeeter197140I love 'em.

[@BugsandBiology]

I fear for inverts in the coming decades too, but the work of people like yourself and Travis gives me some hope.

[@maggiepfob]

It's not just invertebrates who will suffer. When the bottom of the food-chain starts to collapse, it's a sign that the entire system is crumbling, and those of us who consider ourselves to be at the "top" of it are in danger of extinction, too.

[@travismcenery2919]

Yeah, I was really shocked to see just how much they had declined in Switzerland. I'm happy that they're still common here in Canada, but they seem to be an important "canary species". Nancy's video on this is excellent.

[@RadianIndustries]

Best spider content on youtube.

[@leftykeys6944]

Agreed!

[@kinglyzard]

Travis is truly the Bob Newhart of Arachnology

[@travismcenery2919]

Thank you so much - it means a lot to hear that!

[@theoture732]

This video unlocked a long lost memory for me - in Austria, we call these guys the Kreuzspinne ("cross spider") and as a child I was always told they're incredibly dangerous (probably because there aren't many spider species in middle Europe that can actually pierce human skin even if the effects are negligible). I used to be very afraid of spiders, but one day when visiting friends outside the city, I saw a cross orb weaver sitting in her web right outside the window, and, while a bit freaked out, I then watched her during the entirety of our dinner. That was probably my earliest (and fondest) memory of me learning to coexist with spiders. Thank you for making these videos - you're great at explaining things and always manage to inject some humor into your videos. KZbin needs more creators like you, and the world needs more spiders like these.

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks so much for the kind comments - it means a lot! I'm glad I've been able to make things clear and understandable without being painful to watch. ;)

[@lightingthelatenight9942]

​@@travismcenery2919 well, no moreso painful than the post-laughter from your "so I found one of these in my house... now what?" overreaction montages haha gets me everytime

[@jupitartz]

Had a beautiful orb weaver make its way inside last winter, noticed it on my curtains against the light of the TV, decided to let her stay since I figured she didn’t have long. She hung out in the exact same spot from December to February, I went out & greeted her/watched her every morning. One morning I came out & she wasn’t there, didn’t suspect anything cuz spiders move sometimes, but 2 days later when she didn’t return I actually walked over to her spot and found she passed & was hanging by a piece of silk near the floor. Loved her. Been waiting for more Orb weavers to show up all summer but no dice, hoping our little friends show up soon.

[@travismcenery2919]

Yeah, it's always sad when they pass, but it's natural, I suppose. Sounds like she had a lovely spot with you for her time, though!

[@charlottedescant2130]

@@jupitartz Awww, a lovely tribute! ❤️As one who was always known to Everyone as having “arachnophobia”, you had me on the verge of tears. I have recently begun overcoming this as the first time ever, one evening I witnessed 2 orb weavers between my crepe myrtles right beyond my front porch! Instead of hyperventilating l was So enthralled, entranced and just amazed. Found myself watching, (one was smaller and in its own separate space). Found out later they were likely a couple, smaller male, and larger female. Later I went out again and they were both having dinner feasting each on a June bug. I had to laugh! Typical of south Louisiana! I did have to research to find out what they were which led me to Travis’ website and videos. My experience gave me a whole new perspective and Admiration as well as Respect for these amazing creatures! Travis’s video enhanced that SO much more as well as the comments and your story was awesome! (You know I really had never seen these before here) so strange. When they left in the morning, I was hoping they’d come back, ( never in my life had I thought I’d be saying this!). but they never did. Made me sad. Anyway Thanks Again for sharing your story, as this has also helped my appreciation of these beautiful creatures.

[@nosmokejazwinski6297]

⁠@@charlottedescant2130 I’d suggest (if you haven’t already) to look up jumping spiders and especially see videos of people handling them and playing with them. In my opinion, jumping spiders are by far the best Type of spiders for overcoming arachnophobia. My arachnophobia is off the charts but as crazy as it may sound, I actually made a spider friend few months back, it was a jumping spider. It lived on my night desk for 2 and half months and I would handle it every day, the spider would play on my hands, Jump from one finger to another, interact with me in a very intelligent way etc. They have excellent eyesight and can recognise faces. Our first interaction was amazing. I’ve put my finger in front of the spider, the spider looked at my finger and then turned around and looked me straight into the eyes. It knew this is my finger. Looked at the finger again, then in my eyes again (figuring me out?). Then it quickly touched my finger and looked me in the eyes again, did this a few times (checking my reaction?) until it (presumably) decided Im not a threat and finally walked onto my finger and since then we’ve been friends, hanging out and playing every day. There’s nothing more cute than when they Look you in the eyes. Their eyes are big (for a spider) so you can easily see them. When they Look you in the eyes, they actually lift their head a little bit and you see them staring at you, then they tilt their head also while looking at you. It’s crazy and cute. This spider would do that whilst on my hand, then move closer and repeat several times until it eventually reached my shoulder to have a closer Look of my face lol. I hope, at least, that this story gives you a smile and/or adds a new perspective to your view on spiders.

[@penumbradude9239]

I had the chance to see a garden orb weaver create a web, and it was one of the most amazing things I've seen.

[@travismcenery2919]

It really is fascinating to watch! Thanks for the comment!

[@ifabforfun]

back when I asked you to do a video on these guys, I was living in an apartment and they were EVERYWHERE, they basically had taken over my balcony. I used to just watch them out the window all the time, one had lost a leg and stayed around long enough to grow a new one, which made me happy lol

[@travismcenery2919]

Glad I could finally get to the species for you. Thanks for the comment!

[@barrettseattle1846]

I live in Washington, these dudes are EVERYWHERE. Growing up, they were always called garden spiders, everyone calls them that. I've been trying to look them up the past couple of days, but haven't been able to find much, mostly because to most people "garden spider" is a totally different type of orb Weaver. Very fortuitous that you'd post this video just for me! Thank you :)

[@travismcenery2919]

Glad it came at a good time, and thanks for the comment!

[@quotingstardust7504]

I grew up calling them garden spiders! I think we have multiple species in washington as I've seen some solid yellow and also some grey orb weavers here. They're wonderful little buddies I used to hold the tiny babies when they came out of their egg sack

[@albinnygren2367]

These videos are the perfect blend of both entertaining and informative, I'm so glad you're making them!

[@travismcenery2919]

Thank you so much, I'm glad they're hitting the mark!

[@klaymistic4810]

I am fortunate enough to have these little guys in the yard to observe. Glad they are still around here.

[@matthewbarnes1248]

I am BLOWN AWAY at the depth of orb weavers. I had no idea they were this complex. Having kept several Latrodectus Hesperus, this makes me want to take care of an orb weaver as well.

[@travismcenery2919]

They're amazing to watch. A bit tricky to get them to spin a web where you want them to, but if you've got a big enough enclosure, you can do it!

[@thetwitchywitchy]

seeing how they run a supplementary line to the edge of their web and hook one of their legs onto it so they can get a kind of remote security alert is CRAZY COOL!! I never knew spiders could be so fascinating :)

[@travismcenery2919]

Yeah, this was one of my favourite things I learned about them, too!

[@thetwitchywitchy]

@@travismcenery2919 The macro shot you were able to get of the silk hooked around the leg was sooooo cool!! That’s something you’d never notice just walking by, I always thought they would sit in the middle of the web at all times, this was the first time I learned they actually wait on the outer edge which makes a lot more sense for hunting :) I’m going to rewatch your in depth how webs are made video now that I have more information to go into it with :) I gotta say the moment in that video showing the massive web over the river was just incredible :)

[@lesdotcx]

I just wanted to say a quick "thank you". I have not been a particularly big spider fan - without running away screaming. You've made me respect these little creatures more over the last few months. I now let small spiders out on my hand. If they just hang around in an upper corner of the room, I let them live in peace and am happy that I don't have a problem with fruit flies in summer. These spiders, which we call "Kreuzspinnen" in Germany, have a very bad reputation here. They are said to be one of the very few poisonous spiders. But I now know that this is not the case. It's a shame that these little creatures have become so rare here.

[@travismcenery2919]

You're very welcome, and thank you - it is always encouraging to hear that the channel and the videos are making a difference to people. It's great to hear that you've made progress - keep it up!

[@hammerdown8008]

Absolutely one of my favourite spiders too! An awesome start to the weekend when you get to sit down to a new McEnery drop. Keep doing your thing Travis, always a pleasure to see a new addition to the library from you, I've sent your vids to more than one arachnophobe to help them get over their discomfort (with a forewarning of course!) too. The worlds a fascinating place, we shouldn't be so scared of what we don't understand.

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks so much for the kind words, and for the support with sharing the videos around. It really counts for a lot, and I'm glad the channel has been worthwhile!

[@kzookid2051]

Orb weavers and jumping spiders have been my favorites since I was a small child, oh so many decades ago. Learning that orb weavers have so many wonderful things about them I wasn't aware of was great. Thanks for another awesome video, and may the spiders in your house and yard always be plentiful.

[@donaldklopper]

Wonderful presentation once again. Thank you sir. I'm not a morning person but have spent many glorious early morning hours observing and photographing orb weavers. Highly recommended

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks so much, and thanks for the comment! There definitely is something serene about watching spiders work early in the morning.

[@smottybacon7509]

Ive never seen a channel that goes so in depth like you do on spiders your vids are amazing its refreshing to watch a spider video where not the only information you get is how dangerous/not dangerous they are

[@themoviemaniac8416]

And yet another great, award-winning (or should be) educational spider video. THX!

[@metaman1982]

Really enjoy these spiders. I got to hang out with them a bit while I was redoing all of the flooring in my house over the course of last year. I setup a popup canopy on my outdoor deck. They set up their webs all around the canopy. I watched them grow big and fat and the effects of getting saw dust in their webs. Theyre really docile and quite lovely to watch. I suppose there's no sense in harassing one with 🧀 Another great and informative video! Looking forward to the next one!

[@travismcenery2919]

Glad you enjoy these spiders as much as I do! I've got a bunch of them living on my back deck, and I love seeing them every day. And you're right, not much point in a cheese test with these ones. Thanks for the comment!

[@samuelmiensinompe4902]

None of these super amazing discoveries are more amazing than knowing how in this universe can they run with slim legs and touch the right parts of the web without eyes on each leg. They make it look easy, but when you think about what they are doing, it looks impossible!

[@travismcenery2919]

It really is impressive! I didn't see studies on how exactly they do that, but maybe they're out there?

[@gbormann71]

They must have amazing proprioception and a detailed spatial map.

[@Lyndiloo]

Ah, the Mr. Spider in our doorway all summer every summer, which was the same spider every year according to my parents. I totally bought it as a child.

[@USlisa50]

Hey Travis! I have a cross weaver in my doorway since yesterday! She was moved 3 times, but keeps coming back to the doorway. Thank you! ♥️

[@TheWildReportOfficial]

Excellent work with this video, it's amazing how much information these spiders can glean from the vibrations of their prey in the web! I also loved the graphics you made to illustrate that concept.

[@goodwaterhikes]

I've been a fan of spiders for over 50 years and look forward to every one of your episodes. I am fortunate to have a very large wolf spider living in my garage and more recently an extremely small spider has taken up residence on the back door window. This spider was so small that at first I didn't see it only a messy web that appeared to be empty. Upon close inspection I noticed the less than chia seed size spider lurking in the corner of the web. I've been opening the over head garage door after dark using the kitchen light to draw insects to the web. I'm amazed at how quickly this little guy has doubled in size. It is still so small that I cannot tell what kind of spider it is but it is fun watching it grow. Thanks for creating such an amazing series. 😎✌

[@travismcenery2919]

You're very welcome, and thanks for the comment. I'm really glad you're enjoying the channel. And yeah, smaller spiders can be extremely difficult to identify. Often the type of web can help you narrow it to family but it can get tricky after that point.

[@goodwaterhikes]

@@travismcenery2919 😎

[@pameladaley955]

I LOVE YOU SPIDER DAD! Thank you so much. I lived in South Florida for a while and we had Golden Orb Weavers with their globules of molten gold on their bodies!! Yes, yes REAL gold - or so I told the kids. Soooo beautiful and added to my great love of spiders started by my mother and her pet daddy long legs (not his real name) that lived in the basement drain and who she warned when she was doing laundry to climb out and wait until she was done. My mom was not the nicest of humans but that relationship was so tender that I forgave her much and it started my own love of spiders!

[@rhodexa]

I've never seen Charlotte's Web before, so I had to. Not only I now learnt this whole channel is full of references to that movie, but I had to finish the video all covered in tears - Yes, I paused the video, went watch the movie then came back

[@keeganpogue1856]

I love charlotte’s web!!

[@louislapointe9601]

It's astonishing how you consistently blow my mind with these videos. Spiders dreaming, spiders on drugs, just amazing stuff .

[@caitieB89]

Im possibly obsessed with spiders, and orb weavers hold a special place in my heart because they're everywhere where I live. This video was so well made and super fascinating. I'll be binging through the rest. Thanks for sharing! 🕸️

[@Bunny-ns5ni]

Last year during the coldest part of the fall, I noticed a small cat spider, Araneus gemmoides, sitting in a web at work. A few days later we were going to experience a severe cold snap in our area. Fearing for the spider, I brought the little guy home. He/she is still alive and built a very lovely web, now having molted three or four times over winter. Orb weavers are absolutely beautiful. There's a few local spiders I watch and occasionally feed in my area, my favorite thing is seeing them take on paper wasps and large hornets. If anything can handle them, it's orb weavers. Spiders are fucking awesome!

[@kskitten8047]

When I was a kid, my mom and I called the sidewalk on the way to my bus stop "spider alley", because when walking through it in the spring and fall, we would see a massive amount of really big orb weavers out and about, usually up in the power lines and stuff.

[@teradrew7555]

Every time I watch, I know you're funny, but your humor surprises me still. Unexpected jokes in the midst of great information on a topic I love!

[@Xzana13]

It's so interesting to learn about these neato spiders. I remember horseback riding through the woods as a child and running face first into one of their webs was my biggest fear, and it happened often considering they were stretched beautifully (and unfortunately) across all the narrow trails. The spinybacked orb weavers (not that I knew that's what they were at the time) always terrified me and I'd glue myself to my horses neck to avoid them by ducking under their webs. Sometimes if we saw them before we barreled into them, we'd be careful to try to navigate under or around their webs, sometimes only needing to break one strand to squeeze through. I miss those days, and this brought me back there, and taught me something besides. Thanks!

[@travismcenery2919]

You're most welcome, and thanks for the comment!

[@quantumblur_3145]

Ah, to terrify giants

[@LearningAstrophotography-jj9en]

What an amazing study of this beautiful spider. I had a pet orb at my kitchen window, it was eaten by a pidgeon but I did get some beautiful photos before it was gone. What an amazing creature it was to watch, as every day she would renew her web. She worked on her web every day. Anyway this video was very enjoyable, thankyou.

[@DeathMetalDerf]

The orb weavers have always been some of my favorite spiders to watch do their thing, mostly because they are large enough to actually see what's going on.

[@travismcenery2919]

Yup, that's one of the great things about them. Some smaller spiders are really fascinating but they're a lot more difficult to observe.

[@korazail]

As usual, your videos are incredibly interesting and well researched. I love it each time you posts show up in my feed!

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks so much, that's great to hear!

[@MrHavadollar]

"As high as possible..." Lol, Travis. Loved this video. I grew up keeping this species in Washington State. In captivity, I had a female live for 3 years. She was huge, roughly two inches across with her legs bunched up. She was so heavy for her web that the web strained and bowed. I think she wasn't ideally meant to be alive that long. This was likely because she didn't breed. She laid empty egg sacs with no slings, though. I think she lived a happy life of eating lots of captured moths, flies, grasshoppers (mountain crickets) and when they were abundant, mayflies. Nobody wanted me keeping any spiders, but my mother's fear of flying insects and my incentive for catching them were increased, so it was allowed. Childhood of a biologist. lol

[@Sarah-cy8bc]

I’m living in a new state where they have giant hentz orbweavers. They’re lovely babies. I really loved watching them build their webs every evening in the fall. I gave the ones on my deck names. Everyone I know thinks I’m kind of nuts for that lol. They really opened up my mind to how cool and unique and beautiful spiders can be, and that they can coexist peacefully with us in so many cases. Now I’m always researching every new spider I see and am subscribed to your channel!

[@amomentarygenius]

I needed this video. I finally have a name for all my spider friends that I see around the outside of my house. And at the start of every summer, one makes their web between the hand rails of our stairs.

[@frostedbacon7033]

This man is a true informer, always makes a banger and dropped his sources. Keep making good content man!

[@Tingfyhod]

I grew up fearing all spiders until I learned about them. Thanks for all the work you put into these vids!

[@thomaseriksen6885]

One of very few spiders I can readily identify. Once I've blasted through their web once or twice they tend to get the message and set up shop elsewhere. I appreciate these

[@princeofrain1428]

You know, the overall knowledge you give to people about spiders is pretty awesome, though I also can't help but be comforted by the typewriter noise you use during the transitions between segments. It's the little things that make your channel exceptional :)

[@JAYTEAM187]

I subscribed to this channel a couple months ago. Good thing I came across you again because I was unsubscribed somehow. You make the best videos explaining each spider.

[@MrMervyn]

Your videos are always such a treat. Well-researched, informative and entertaining - and I love how much affection and appreciation you have for these amazing creatures.

[@travismcenery2919]

Thank you so much! Glad you're enjoying the channel.

[@MidBoss]

I love these spiders! One lived in the corner of my kitchen window (on the inside) for almost a year before she disappeared. They are really beautiful.

[@travismcenery2919]

Aren't they? I've always loved this species.

[@chrisegnoto]

This has to be the best spider video I have ever seen. I have been teaching a lot of these topics about orb weavers (and other spider programs) for years and also trying to compile a satisfactory video on much of this subject matter. Now, I don't know WHAT to do, lol, this video would put any video of mine to shame. Hats off to you! amazing.

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks so much, that means a lot!

[@hpdodge2894]

I’ve never really been scared of spiders but always a little apprehensive around them. After watching many of your videos I am way more comfortable around them now. You have educated me to the point where I actually enjoy them. I encounter them on a daily basis so it helps tremendously. Thank you.

[@pizzagroom6221]

idk why youtube decided to recommend me you, but it's really been helping me come over my arachnophobia, so thank you

[@barnlawrence3074]

Another fascinating and very educational video Mr McEnery. Thank you for all your amazing work.

[@RichieTyndall]

I am so glad to have found your fascinating site. I look forward to learning so much more about these little critters, once I get over itching myself continuously....

[@scottbuck1572]

Babe wake up, Travis uploaded a new Spiders in Your House

[@Reichukey]

Thank you for making this! My kiddo has been interested but afraid of spiders, and learning with your channel has been great for making things less scary. Got the spider spotter app and doing our part for science! Keep up the great work!

[@vaultboiz4293]

Bro that’s crazy just saw these for the first time yesterday, now I got a lit video for it. Appreciate you sm man

[@diogoguerramontenegro8319]

Amazing video as always. I love these spiders and was super eager to learn more about them.

[@jjmcluckie8691]

Love these babies and have been "raising" them in my yard for the past couple years and always describe them as a very polite spider, if you walk through their web they'll try to rebuild it at a slightly different location nearby until it finds a point out of the way of my housemate and I walking by. This spring I saw a ton of juveniles around the yard making webs between flowers and learning that they eat pollen at that stage blows my mind but makes so much sense with it's protein and beneficial compounds. Thank you so much for making these videos and of great enough quality and approachability to send to friends.

[@travismcenery2919]

You're most welcome, and thank you for the kind comment! I'm really glad you find the videos helpful enough to send to friends - I appreciate the sharing!

[@LydiaTarine12]

Just wanted to mention this might very well take the top spot for my favorite video on your channel! ^-^

[@Lambda_Ovine]

I was looking forward for this episode and I was not disappointed at all, on a stark contrary! Orb Weavers are my old time favorite spider and I knew I was going to learn so many fascinating things about them Wonderful work, wonderful video, wonderful creatures

[@travismcenery2919]

Thank you so much! I'm really glad this video seems to have hit the mark.

[@coppurt]

Thanks for the SpiderSpotter shoutout! I’m a member of one of the organisations that helps fund it (Natuurpunt)

[@ryanroiz8903]

One of my favorites as well, along with the similar A. Cavaticus. I've had the pleasure of observing many of these outside my Texas apartment this spring and summer. I appreciate your dedication to these videos, I always learn a great deal and come back later for reference.

[@miniotter]

Such great footage, Travis! So exciting that you captured ballooning. And a Charlotte's Web shoutout - be still my heart!

[@highdnc]

Thanks so much for this video. I live for the variety of spiders who show up on my porch every year. Last year I happened upon the first group of yellow spiderlings I've seen and that blew my mind. Orb weavers are a true favorite in my nightly flashlight porch inspection, but I appreciate them all. Fascinating. Oh, and I am glad you talked about that they can sense sound, because they react when my dog barks. Love your channel. Have to see what you've covered about funnel spiders. I have a huge gal this year who is missing a pedipalp. Cheers.

[@cathiapizetta4957]

Amazing episode! You are awesome! Love your podcast! You answer all the questions I didn’t even know I wanted to ask! Thank you!❤

[@travismcenery2919]

You're most welcome, and thank you so much!

[@oO0catty0Oo]

I'm always excited for a new spider video.

[@summerw.1425]

I loved the 221B Baker st. Little details like that are the reason I love this channel ❤️

[@travismcenery2919]

Glad someone noticed that! Thanks! I had to blank out my actual address with SOMETHING, and my wife came up with that.

[@rayspencer5025]

Fascinating. When I had a Nature Center I tried to see if the Shamrock Spider (Araneus trifolium) I had could be tricked into coming our of her leaf hidey-hole by me tickling her web. Nope . She knew the difference between a live prey item and me trying to fool her.

[@charlottedescant2130]

@@rayspencer5025 what is a shamrock spider? I’m interested

[@butterfish-g9f]

The determination to stay in the same spot does explain my past experiences with these spiders. I often like to take long naps on balconies and porches, and I've had multiple experiences of waking up with cross orb weavers determined to use one of my shoulders or arms as an anchor point for a web. No matter how many times I tried to knock them away they kept coming back to try all over again. Sometimes waiting a few minutes until I fell back asleep to wake up with a new web attached to me. Funny little things. I might keep one as a pet if that happens again.

[@specterrise1717]

Got incredibly excited when I got the notification for this new video. Love your content. Spiders! Woohoo!

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks so much!

[@SmokingBeagles]

We have HUNDREDS of these in our garden! So lucky every year we find three or four big sacs of eggs, love watching the lil green babies pop out and take over the garden through summer ❤

[@maggiefrommer9988]

Thank you for the awesome information. I do have quite a few of these guys living on my deck. I am always so amazed by their webs and them sitting in the center of it just waiting for a meal. I now understand them much better. Thank you!!

[@travismcenery2919]

You're most welcome, and thanks for the comment!

[@juncohill]

I have anecdotally observed their responses to sound too, if you get your face right close to the web and speak firmly they will react, I showed this to the kids I babysat to great delight. Every winter without fail one of these, usually a female, would set her web up around the porchlight of my childhood home. In my current residence, the most popular spots are on a neighbor's cypress bush and in our roses, usually aligned parallel with the driveway. Love these guys.

[@travismcenery2919]

Yup, I've seen Claire do it too. And they DID test to make sure that it was the vibrations, not air currents that were creating the responses. It was a pretty fascinating study.

[@LeeBoris974]

As someone with arachnophobia, I found this fascinating. Thank you.

[@tylerc5021]

Im -only a little less scared of spiders than i was as a kid- learning more and more about spiders has eased my mind, and i relly love the way tou have presented orb weavers to me. I hope to be able to see an orb Weaver myself. I think I've seen their web, but not the actual friend.

[@sealamprey1279]

thanks for doing a video on these guys! one of the most common spiders for me to see around town, and it always feels extra lucky when one happens to make a web across one of the windows of my home. since they're so consistent about where they put their webs every day, it's really easy to get invested in specific spiders and their lives... i've given names to a few. also, their babies are adorable. their bright yellow coloration with that single black spot reminds me a bit of ducklings. i've finally moved out of my tragically bugless apartment, so hopefully i'll make another cross orb weaver friend soon enough.

[@travismcenery2919]

I hope you do too! And yes, with that site fidelity, it's easy to get attached.

[@LemonCircuits]

Absolutely love this series! And this is maybe my favorite species of spider as well. Cheers!

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks so much, and I'm glad you're enjoying the channel!

[@FridayKnights.]

Ever since I was young, my dream job was to be an entomologist. Sadly, that probably isn't a reasonable path for me to take now, but I really enjoy your content. I found your channel via your referenced "how orb weaver's make their webs" video, and I found it super fascinating. I really appreciate your thorough and detailed investigation of these topics, and I am so happy to have found your channel. I will definitely be following along. Cheers

[@BubblesBear17]

Now that explains why I've been seeing very few of these in recent years. I'm from the Netherlands. As a kid I saw them all the time. Right when I hit about 15 or so years old I suddenly rarely ever saw one anymore

[@jeremystarkiller8181]

Whilst traversing the webs, I found myself trapped within this video and learning about the majestic orb weaver that I didn't think I needed to know but now I am happy I stayed.

[@travismcenery2919]

Thanks so much for sticking around, and for the comment!

[@Wolfie-yn1jr]

I've also been keeping an orb weaver around since December. They're a missing sector orb weaver, or winter spider for short, and I feed them whenever I'm able to catch flies. I'm not sure if they're a male or female but I've named them Shamura and I love watching them catch things. They're also helping my partner overcome arachnophobia because they're such a polite spider that stays in one place.

[@Momcat_maggiefelinefan]

I find these amazing spiders hanging around my mail box almost every summer. I protect and encourage them. I’m in Southeastern Ontario, Canada, and I’ll have to check the markings on this year’s Boris … all big spiders are Boris thanks to The Who … to better identify my webby neighbour. I have a couple of beautiful specimens in small display containers which will go to my 12 year old grandson, who loves them like I do. Great presentation, and I learned a lot to share with him. Thanks. 🇨🇦🖖🏻🇨🇦

[@travismcenery2919]

You're very welcome, and thank you! And I may have named a spider Boris at some point in my life, too... ;)

[@cw4608]

As kids my brother, and I, had a ‘pet’ garden orb weaver. Its web was on a horseradish plant. We caught small grasshoppers and flicked them into its web. We loved to watch it wrap its dinner for later. It was a well fed spider.

[@Andrea-rw9tf]

Aww Claire is cute…I always run into these when I’m running late for work on fall mornings. So they’re hanging out listening to a fly a few feet away saying to themselves “ oh, come on, just a little to the right, you’re almost there.”

[@MrTylerStricker]

Travis! Finally! I've only spent a month with you in the back of my mind...constantly hearing a voice asking odd questions (at least once a day) like: "I wonder what kind of spiders Travis is playing with?" or "I wonder if he's playing with spiders right this very minute?" Well, thank you for answering that disturbing voice! I look forward to hearing that voice again immediately concluding the end of this video. Thank you is what I mean...I think. 🕸️

[@Pegfoxx]

Just found your channel & liked & subbed lol. Thank you so much for this video, it was mind blowing what these little guys can do with their webs.

[@craiglittle1437]

Great content. Brilliant research

[@chestbuster1987]

My favorite spider! Love these little guys!

[@jdmkarello]

Been looking for something to listen to while working. Thank you.

[@travismcenery2919]

You're very welcome!

[@pattijareo7423]

Truly excellent! The eardrum parallel is fantastic. It makes so much sense, yet I never would have thought of it. The middle layer of the human eardrum is fibrous, and the fibers are laid out in exactly the same pattern as that of the web of an orb weaver! I'm rather gobsmacked! 😄😉🕸🕷🕸

[@travismcenery2919]

Yup, it's a pretty amazing natural form!

[@benstafford8206]

I live in the PNW and these guys absolutely take over in Fall with more spiders overall than I've ever seen anywhere else I've travelled. I actually knew about their sound sensitivity because I've seen them reacting many times to my dog barking loudly.

[@travismcenery2919]

Yup, that makes sense. I've seen Claire react to sudden sounds in my office. Kind of neat to see.

[@carlsaganlives6086]

The unexpected thrill of having a fresh web stretch over your face for free? Priceless.

[@charliemum]

I have hundreds of these in my front n back garden, we have had a good 7 clusters of baby's so far too 😊 Although my back garden is a spider sanctuary, I have alot of sp that seem to thrive there, I specifically don't cut it and keep it wild for this reason. It's more like a fallow field then a garden but the spiders love it. On another note I got my less wronger cup I love it and it is now the only cup I use for my coffee 😊 thank you for your uploads and great merch !

[@travismcenery2919]

You're very welcome, and thank you for all the support! I really appreciate it, and I'm glad you love the mug!

[@doxdisc]

really awesome vid, thanks for helping me get my fix of spider knowledge

[@travismcenery2919]

You're most welcome, and thanks for the comment!

[@TM-vb4nd]

Oh this is a great friday! Thank you Travis!!!

[@travismcenery2919]

You're most welcome, and thanks for the comment!

[@therealsammich]

YES, THANK YOU TRAVIS! These are the only orb weavers we have here, so thanks!

[@travismcenery2919]

You're most welcome, and thanks for the comment!

[@therealsammich]

@@travismcenery2919 😊