Walnut Orb Weaver
Nuctenea umbratica
This record describes Nuctenea umbratica (species). Recorded family: Araneidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
Size: females can grow to 15 mm, males grow to 11 mm. They have a distinctive flattened body, which enable the species to hide in crevices. The walnut colouration of the abdomen gives the species its common name. The darker central portion with zig-zag edges is also typical of the species. The Walnut Orb Spider hides away during the day in nooks and crannies or under bark, close to its web and it only emerges to secure any prey that gets trapped in the web. Females of this species can be found all year round, whilst the males are usually seen in summer. After dark, it will emerge to construct a new web each evening and can then be seen sitting at the centre of its web waiting for its next meal - hence it has another common name of 'The Evening Spider'. 4,942 British records for this species to 2015.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The Walnut Orb Spider hides away during the day in nooks and crannies or under bark, close to its web and it only emerges to secure any prey that gets trapped in the web.
Seasonal Activity
Females of this species can be found all year round, whilst the males are usually seen in summer.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
After dark, it will emerge to construct a new web each evening and can then be seen sitting at the centre of its web waiting for its next meal - hence it has another common name of 'The Evening Spider'.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Nuctenea umbratica. 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 Walnut Orb Weaver (9)
Frequently Asked Questions About Walnut Orb Weaver
What is Walnut Orb Weaver?
Walnut Orb Weaver (Nuctenea umbratica) is a species in the family Araneidae, within the order Araneae.
How big is Walnut Orb Weaver?
females can grow to 15 mm, males grow to 11 mm. They have a distinctive flattened body, which enable the species to hide in crevices. The walnut colouration of the abdomen gives the species its common name. The darker central portion with zig-zag edges is also typical of the species.
Where is Walnut Orb Weaver found?
Habitat: The Walnut Orb Spider hides away during the day in nooks and crannies or under bark, close to its web and it only emerges to secure any prey that gets trapped in the web.
When is Walnut Orb Weaver active?
Walnut Orb Weaver: seasonal activity - Females of this species can be found all year round, whilst the males are usually seen in summer..
What is the life cycle of a Walnut Orb Weaver?
After dark, it will emerge to construct a new web each evening and can then be seen sitting at the centre of its web waiting for its next meal - hence it has another common name of 'The Evening Spider'.