Labyrinth Orbweaver
Metepeira labyrinthea
This record describes Metepeira labyrinthea (species). Recorded family: Araneidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
The Spiders of the Eastern US says that the Metepeira labyrinthea can be distinguished from other orbweavers by having longer terminal leg segments (tarsus plus metatarsus longer than tibia plus patella). It does have the longitudinal light line on the sternum which isn't found on grandiosa & datona . The following image is closest to the ventral drawing in the work cited: (two white ventral marks & 4 spots around spinnerets, & 2 lighter marks on either edge of the black ventral abdomen mark.) Web in this species (and genus?) a distinctive composite a more or less vertical orb behind which is placed an irregular labyrinth resembling the snare of a theridiid. Female with egg cases: Over most of its range, it is the only Metepeira . In the north its range overlaps with grandiosa and in Florida with datona . In Texas it overlaps with other species.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This is a forest species.
Geographic Range
Massachusetts, southern Ontario, southern Wisconsin, to western Oklahoma and western Texas, south to the Florida Keys.
Seasonal Activity
Spring to late fall. All year in FL.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of the name: Hentz. Year first published: 1847.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Metepeira labyrinthea. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
As of 2023, 51,673 spider species in 136 families have been recorded, though an estimated 150,000 species exist. Spiders rank 7th in total species diversity among all organism orders. Only 0.5% of spider species pose any risk to human health.
Ecological role of the group
Spider venom contains complex peptides with diverse pharmacological activities, making them valuable for drug development research. Spiders produce up to 7 types of silk from specialized glands. Spider silk genes have been inserted into mammals and plants for biotech applications.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The global spider community kills an estimated 400-800 million tons of prey annually (2017 study). Spiders provide billions of dollars in natural pest control for agriculture. Spider silk is 5× stronger than steel of the same diameter, driving a biomaterials research industry.
Recorded sources for this group: World Spider Catalog, PNAS, Nature, ScienceDirect. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Labyrinth Orbweaver (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by cotinis , Lynette Elliott , cheins , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Labyrinth Orbweaver
What is Labyrinth Orbweaver?
Labyrinth Orbweaver (Metepeira labyrinthea) is a species in the family Araneidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Labyrinth Orbweaver?
5.5-6.2 mm (female), 4-4.5 mm (male)
How do you identify Labyrinth Orbweaver?
The Spiders of the Eastern US says that the Metepeira labyrinthea can be distinguished from other orbweavers by having longer terminal leg segments (tarsus plus metatarsus longer than tibia plus patella). It does have the longitudinal light line on the sternum which isn't found on grandiosa & datona . The following image is closest to the ventral drawing in the work cited: (two white ventral marks & 4 spots around spinnerets, & 2 lighter marks on either edge of the black ventral abdomen mark.) Web in this species (and genus?) a distinctive composite a more or less vertical orb behind which is placed an irregular labyrinth resembling the snare of a theridiid. Female with egg cases:
Where is Labyrinth Orbweaver found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | This is a forest species. |
| Range | Massachusetts, southern Ontario, southern Wisconsin, to western Oklahoma and western Texas, south to the Florida Keys. |
When is Labyrinth Orbweaver active?
Labyrinth Orbweaver: seasonal activity - Spring to late fall. All year in FL..