About Araniella displicata (Hentz, 1847)
Araniella displicata individuals display a range of colors, including brown, white, tan, orange, red, and yellow. This species gets its common name "Six-spotted" from six dots located on the underside of its abdomen. These dots are typically black, with a lighter-colored ring surrounding each one. Females of this species are generally larger than males. Adult Araniella displicata become active in early summer, around May or June, to lay their eggs before disappearing. Egg-laying usually occurs in June or July, once females have reached full maturity. Eggs are contained within sacs that can often be found inside curled leaves, and the mother spider stays close to the egg sacs. This spider builds small orb webs on trees or shrubs. The web is most often constructed on a leaf, which the spider manipulates to create a more effective trap. Occasionally, individuals spin larger webs stretched between branches and stems. These tiny orb weavers inhabit forest edges, field edges, and woodlands. They are typically found living among trees and shrubs, and prefer larger leaves to build larger webs. Their diet is made up of small insects, with beetles, plant bugs, and flies being their preferred prey.
