The most common orange spiders are the marbled orb-weaver with its bulbous orange abdomen and orange and black patterns. There are various different species and sub-species of spider with orange back.
This is because they can exhibit a wide range of colors, including shades of yellow, red, brown, and black. In this article, I will tell you all about spiders with orange backs and lay out different types of similar spiders!
Table of Contents
Are there other types of spiders that have orange backs?
Interestingly enough, there are other species of orange arachnids in the world. For example, the woodlouse spider is a common household spider that is typically found in dark and moist places such as basements or crawlspaces.
The cross orb-weaver spider is an unusual-looking spider that spins webs with spokes radiating out from the center like a cross. And finally, triangular spiders get their name because of the three points on their abdomen.
In addition, there are many different species of spiders that have orange and black bodies. For example, the jumping spider is a small arachnid that can be found all over the world.
What should you know about spiders with orange backs?
Spiders with orange backs can be found all over the world. They belong to the arthropod class Arachnida, which includes spiders, scorpions, and ticks. These spiders are known for their eight legs and two body segments.
There are different types of spiders with orange backs, and each comes with its own set of identifying characteristics. For example, some spiders have an orange coloring or pattern that is very distinct.
Others may just be classified as male or female spiders due to their coloration. In any case, it is important to be able to identify an orange spider when you see one!
In addition to their color, one of the most distinctive features of orange spiders is their eyes. Most spiders have eight eyes, but orange spiders usually have two larger eyes in the front and six smaller ones on the sides. This allows them to see better in dim light.
Interestingly, there are dozens of spider species that sport this coloration. And while they may look strikingly similar to some other spiders, they can generally be identified by their characteristic black head and thorax. I’ll tell you more about identifying orange spiders in the next section.
These spiders are usually tiny jumping spiders, which means they aren’t as large as some of the other common spiders you might see around your home.
Almost all species of orange spiders spin a silky web. However, not all of them use their webs to catch prey as red widow spiders do. Instead, they use their webs for other purposes such as protecting eggs, hiding from view, or transporting objects.
How can you identify orange spiders and distinguish between other insects and them?
Although it can be difficult to identify an orange spider, there are a few key features that will help.
All orange spiders have four pairs of legs, i.e., eight legs in total. Spiders, whether orange or black, have bodies with two distinct segments — the cephalothorax and the abdomen—and eight eyes.
The shape of the abdomen can give clues as to its identity. The size is a good indicator that makes it easy for you to spot spiders. And finally, the orange-colored patterns on its back will help confirm whether it’s an orange spider or not.
Don’t expect spiders to have wings and fly about your house. That would make poisonous spiders extremely formidable insects to deal with. However, spiders have other predatorial characteristics.
Not only can these insects jump and creep to where they want to go, but they can also stun or kill their prey with venom and elaborate webs that are meant to trap their prey.
Most other species of insects have three pairs of legs, and as far as the insects that you will typically find in your house are concerned, many of them will have wings!
The different types of a spider with orange backs and other dark colors on their bodies
There are many varieties of spiders that have orange backs. They can be found in different places, depending on the species. Some common places to find them include homes and the outdoors, such as gardens and parks. Below are some of the spiders with orange backs :
Now let’s get to know them in detail
1. Marbled orb-weaver spiders (Araneus marmoreus)
The marbled orb-weaver spider is the most common type of spider with an orange back. This common spider has easily identifiable rounded, bulbous, brightly-colored abdomens with yellowish and black marbling.
They can be found throughout North America and are often spotted in gardens and yards.
Another distinguishing feature of the orb-weaver is its spiny orange, black, and white legs. Additionally, this spider is relatively small; it measures 0.35″ to 0.79″ (9 – 20 mm).
The marbled orb-weaver spider is so named because of its characteristic markings. Additionally, they build large webs in open areas between trees and shrubs.
The spiders get their name from the orange and black markings on their abdomen, which can resemble a pumpkin. There are many different species of marbled orb-weavers, all of which have similar colors and markings.
The patterns may be a light brown or tan with a black outline contrasting against the bright orange color. Other species have a pale orange, almost yellow abdomen with a large brown patch at the rear. The cephalothorax (head) of all Orb Weaver spiders is typically dark orange.
How to identify male marbled orb weaver spiders?
Male marbled orb weaver spiders are easily identified by their oval orange-yellow abdomen with black or dark brown patterns.
They have dark orange cephalothorax and dark orange legs with black and white bands. The male marbled orb weaver spider measures 0.12″ to 0.23″ (3 – 6 mm).
How to identify female marbled orb weaver spiders?
The orange-inflated bulbous abdomen of female marbled orb weaver spiders with black or brown marble patterns and light yellowish patches can be used to identify them. They measure 0.35″ to 0.79″ (9 – 20 mm).
2. Woodlouse spiders (Dysdera crocata)
Woodlouse spiders, also known as Dysdera crocata, are an interesting bunch. The woodlouse spider is a spider species that is orange and brown in color.
It has an elongated body and is found throughout the world. These bugs are harmless to humans and can be found in many different environments.
The woodlouse spiders get their name from the fact that they prey on woodlice (otherwise known as slaters or roly-polies), and they’re easily identified by their oval cephalothorax and yellowish-brown or dark gray abdomen. Woodlouse spiders are also known to eat pillbugs.
Woodlouse spiders identification?
The shiny orange cephalothorax, brownish-gray oval body, and shining orange legs serve as telltale signs of the woodlouse spider. It is also sometimes called the orange and black spider because of its distinctive coloring.
Woodlouse spiders are found in damp areas, such as under logs or rocks, around water sources, or inside buildings. These spiders are harmless to humans and prey on other insects.
3. Cross orb-weaver spiders (Araneus diadematus)
The orange and black spider is a cross orb weaver spider. They are found throughout the world. The adult female measures 0.26″ to 0.79″ (6.5 – 20 mm) long and has an average lifespan of two years.
The cross orb weaver spider is aptly named for its characteristic markings. It is also called the pumpkin spider due to its orange back, much like its biological cousin, the marbled orb weaver.
These spiders are typically found in North America, Europe, and Asia. They build webs near the ground in shrubs or trees.
Cross orb-weaver spiders identification?
The cross orb weaver is a type of spider that is identifiable by its white cross-like marking on its bulbous pale orange abdomen.
They are typically found in the United States and build webs that can be up to 16 feet wide and 5 feet high. Cross orb weavers spin their webs close to the ground, often between trees or bushes.
4. Triangle orb-weaver spiders or arrowhead spiders (Verrucosa arenata)
The triangle orb weaver spider is easily identifiable by its orange and creamy white body shape. They are typically found near water sources, such as ponds and rivers. These spiders build webs that are triangular in shape and tend to be less dense than other spider webs.
These orange and black spiders are called triangle orb weavers because of the distinctive yellowish-white triangular mark on their abdomens. The male lacks this mark, making it difficult to distinguish them from the female spiders.
The triangle orb weaver is a spider that can be found throughout the United States. It has a three-sided abdomen with a large cream-colored triangle on the dorsal side. This spider is also identifiable by its orange back and black legs.
The spider has a cephalothorax and legs that are brown with black markings. Additionally, the abdomen is orange, which is where it gets its name from. These spiders can be found in North America and Europe.
Triangle orb-weaver spiders identification?
The triangle orb-weaver spider is easy to identify due to its pyramid shape. It has dark orange and brown colors, with a large creamy white abdominal marking that is triangular in shape.
5. Triangular spiders (Arkys lancearius)
The triangular spider is a species of arachnid that is found throughout Australia. It has an unusual orange-colored heart body shape with white spots and large two pairs of front legs. They are generally shy spiders and will only bite if provoked.
It has white spots on its heart-shaped abdomen and is identifiable by its three-sided abdomen, which has pairs of larger white dots in the center.
This spider is very small, measuring only 0.31 inches (8 millimeters). It gets its name from the orange triangles on its back. Triangular spiders can be found in Australia, eastern parts of the USA, and New Zealand.
Triangle orb-weaver spiders identification?
Triangle orb weaver spiders are easily identifiable by their unique heart-shaped abdomen and translucent pale orange to reddish-orange color with several white spots. They are diurnal, meaning they spend the majority of their time active during daylight hours.
6. Cardinal jumper spiders (Phiddipus cardinalis)
The cardinal jumper spider is a small, orange, and black spider that is found in North America. They are hairy spiders with a fuzzy orange cephalothorax and abdomen.
The cardinal jumper spiders get their name from their ability to jump long distances. These spiders are not considered dangerous to humans.
Cardinal jumper spiders, also known as Phiddipus cardinalis, are species of spiders that mimic the appearance and habits of mutillid wasps. These spiders have an orange back with black spots, and they are able to jump several feet in the air.
They use their jumping ability to escape from predators, and they often build their webs in close proximity to the nests of other insects.
Cardinal jumper spiders are characterized by their bright orange coloring, which is intended to ward off predators like birds and other spiders. In addition to their coloration, these spiders also have a very distinctive hunting style in which they jump onto their prey from a distance.
Cardinal jumper spiders identification?
Cardinal jumper spiders are easy to identify because of their bright orange back. They have a row of four eyes, with the two central ones being the most prominent. The spider will also have two large central eyes.
7. Jewel spiders (Gasteracantha quadrispinosa)
The jewel spider is a small but easily identifiable spider that is found throughout the United States. They have an orange-ish-red body shape with black markings and four spines on their back. They are generally considered harmless to humans.
The jewel spider, also known as the Gasteracantha quadrispinosa, is a type of orb-web spider. These spiders hang in the center of their web, waiting for prey to stumble into their traps.
Jewel spider identification?
The jewel spider is identifiable by its flat oblong orange-ish-red abdomen with black dots and a dark pattern at its spinneret. The jewel spider generally does not harm humans but can deliver a painful bite if mishandled.
8. Whitman’s jumping spider (Phiddipus whitmani)
The Phiddipus whitmani is a hairy orange and black jumping spider with a deep orange, almost red furry abdomen and cephalothorax.
They get their common name, Whitman’s jumping spider, from the American naturalist and poet Walt Whitman who collected specimens of this spider in the 1850s. This species is found in eastern North America.
This tiny spider is a beauty with its reddish-orange color and spiny legs covered in fine white hairs. The velvety appearance of its body is due to its soft, furry body.
Whitman’s jumping spiders identification?
Whitman’s jumping spiders are identifiable by their orange or red coloring, as well as their fuzzy gray legs. These spiders also get their name from the fact that they are able to jump several times their own body length.
9. Phiddipus Clarus jumping spiders
Phidippus clarus is another type of jumping spider that is easily identified by its orange abdomen and black abdominal stripe.
These spiders are generally found in the eastern United States but can also be found in other parts of the world. They are predatory and build their webs near or on the ground.
The female spider is different from the male in that she has a dark orange abdomen and a black or brown abdominal band.
The male, on the other hand, has an orange abdomen with either black or white markings. The male Phiddipus clarus jumping spider is further typically identified by its white legs, cephalothorax, and abdomen.
Phiddipus clarus jumping spiders identification?
The Phiddipus clarus is a jumping spider that is easily identified by its orange back and black line that runs vertically along its anterior portion. This band is separated from the cephalothorax by a white or tan band.
10. Northern crab spiders (Mecaphesa asperata)
The northern crab spider is a small yellowish spider with orange markings on its legs, oval abdomen, and a small cephalothorax.
This spider species is typically found throughout the United States and Canada. They are mostly seen in the fall when they are looking for a place to overwinter.
Female crab spiders are typically smaller than the males, measuring only 0.23″ (6 mm) long. They also have a much shorter leg span of only 0.5″ (12 mm).
Northern crab spiders identification?
The northern crab spider is a tiny yellowish spider that can often be found on flowers. It has two pairs of long front legs, a brown to dark orange marking on its back, and stiff black spines. This spider preys on insects, which it catches with its quick reflexes.
Conclusion
And that’s your fill of ten fascinating spiders with orange backs. Now, obviously, not all spiders are exactly the same. But, they certainly share many characteristics. Bear in mind that even though all spiders are not poisonous, many of them can bite. Therefore, it is not wise to provoke spiders in general!
