Female Spotted Orb Weaver Spider spins a web after dark in a Tulip Tree that is illuminated by an outdoor light high in the Great Smoky Mountains. A large orb weaver over an inch long and similar in size and habit to the Tropical Orb Weaver of Florida - they spin their webs every night and take them down except for the support threads before sunrise. Late summer is spider time and also note the deafening night sounds of cicadas, crickets, and Katydids in the deep forest.
This species is generally found in woodland habitats, particularly moist woods dominated by hardwood trees. It is also found on buildings, especially under the eaves where it may go unnoticed because of its nocturnal habits. The web is built by the female spotted orb weaver and is frequently replaced, being built at dusk and usually taken down before daybreak.[8] Late in the season the web may be left in place during the day, perhaps because the female has greater nutritional needs at this time when she is preparing for egg laying. The web is placed vertically in trees and shrubs or on a building. In contrast to webs built by species of Araneus, the hub is open and is crossed by only one or two threads. The orb of the web may be fifty centimetres in diameter with long frame lines attached to shrubs or to the ground. A retreat formed of leaves or debris bound together with silk is built near one end of a frame line.[9] This is for use during the day as at night the spider normally occupies the hub of the web and is alert to every tremor.
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