Summary
A large orb weaver of the southeastern United States, known for the golden tint of its silk and its very large, persistent webs. Frequently called 'banana spider' in the southeast - a common name that creates confusion with the unrelated and highly venomous Phoneutria of Central and South America.
Quick answers
- Is Golden Silk Orb Weaver dangerous to humans?
- No. Current evidence does not link golden silk orb weaver bites to serious medical outcomes in healthy adults.
- How big is an adult golden silk orb weaver?
- Adult female body length is 22–40 mm; males are 4–6 mm. Leg span reaches 75–120 mm.
- Where does Golden Silk Orb Weaver live?
- Forest edges, swamps, trails, gardens with tall vegetation. Established U.S. populations occur in 8 states.
- What does Golden Silk Orb Weaver eat and when is it active?
- Flying insects including large moths and beetles. Diurnal; sits at the hub of the web. Active August–November.
Identification
- Female 22–40 mm with elongated orange-brown abdomen
- Distinctive tufts of black hair on the long, slender legs
- Silk is visibly golden in sunlight
- Male tiny (4–6 mm) and reddish-brown
Morphometrics
| Measurement | Female | Male |
|---|---|---|
| Body length | 22–40 mm | 4–6 mm |
| Leg span | 75–120 mm | - |
| Lifespan | 1–1 years | - |
| Trait | Value |
|---|---|
| Web type | Large vertical orb web up to 2 m across; silk has a distinct golden hue. |
| Eye arrangement | Eight eyes in two rows of four. |
| Eggs per sac | 500–1500 |
| Egg sacs per year | 1–1 |
Geographic range
Native range: Neotropical and southeastern United States.
U.S. states with established populations: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas.
State pages covering Golden Silk Orb Weaver
AlabamaFloridaGeorgiaLouisianaMississippiNorth CarolinaSouth CarolinaTexas
Habitat & behavior
Habitat: Forest edges, swamps, trails, gardens with tall vegetation.
Activity: Diurnal; sits at the hub of the web. Active August–November.
Diet: Flying insects including large moths and beetles.
Venom & medical significance
| Venom property | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Mildly neurotoxic |
| LD₅₀ | Not established |
| Note | Bites cause local pain, redness, and blistering. No long-term medical consequences are documented. |
Bite symptoms & first aid
Symptoms
- Local pain, blistering, and itching; resolves in 1–2 days
Commonly confused with
- Joro spider (Trichonephila clavata)
- Phoneutria 'true' banana spider (not present in the U.S.)
Key facts
- T. clavipes silk has been used in experimental composite materials due to its tensile strength and elasticity. [1]
Sources
- [1]Golden Silk Spider - University of Florida IFAS Featured Creatures. Accessed 2026-06-14.