Cobweb Spider
Enoplognatha ovata
42.9615, -85.6557
Field Notes
Description:
Enoplognatha ovata has several color morphs. This one is form lineata, with several pairs of dorsolateral spots, but no red stripes.
Form redimita has two dorsolateral red stripes running the length of the abdominal dorsum.
Form ovata, the least common morph, has a solid red band running the length of the abdominal dorsum (upper surface of the abdomen). These are beneficial spiders eating flies, mosquitos & other pests, although this one has managed to capture a sweat bee & a syrphid fly... Not so beneficial on this particular day.
Habitat:
Northeastern & Pacific Coast U.S., Southern Canada. Vegetation, walls & fences.
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