Orb Weaver Web

September 26, 2026

An Orb-weaver web. Found a few days ago when it was so rainy and drizzly, during a break in the drizzle. Most likely built by an Orb-weaver spider (members of the spider family Araneidae).

Often Orb-weavers create a fresh web each day. Hiding for a good part of the day, they are active during the evening. As the web gets to be a day old it loses its sticky quality. As evening approaches these spiders will consume the old web, rest for a short time, and then spin a new web in a close by location. The new web will be free of debris, with a fresh sticky surface, ready for catching some flying and crawling insects again.

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Published by

Brenda Clements Jones

Brenda is a certified Virginia Master Naturalist, a Habitat Defender for Shenandoah National Park, and a devoted fan of Mother Nature. She lives in a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Shenandoah National Park, and hikes up to the higher elevations of her mountain often to see what nature is up to. Her constant hiking companion is a camera that captures nature as it unfolds through the seasons. It’s her goal to share the natural world around her through her photographs.

4 thoughts on “Orb Weaver Web”

  1. Found your site a couple of weeks ago while researching Virginia wild orchids (and subscribed). I enjoy nature as you do but live near the Potomac so I haunt the wet lands and ridges leading down to the river. I see and photograph many of the same or similar species that you’ve posted, but also many others may be less likely to be seen nearer the Shenandoah Valley uplands. We are both very fortunate to live in such a beautiful State with an abundance of interesting living things.

    1. So very pleased to hear from you Robert. I’m so glad you found my blog. Near the Potomac, I’m wondering where you live. I lived for many years in Northern Virginia. Nature is my “thing”. Isn’t it amazing to know that there are native orchids here in Virginia?!!

      But then I am always discovering amazing things in the world of nature.
      Bren

      1. Brenda, thanks for the reply! I live in eastern Prince William county about 10 minutes from the Potomac and several tributaries. Although it’s basically suburban here now, it seems that most of the Virginia local fauna don’t seem to mind at all. My current photographic pursuits, in addition to wild Va orchids (two genera so far) are parasitic wasps (Megarhyssa (two species) and Arotes (one species so far), and hummingbird moths in the wild. These and the abundant miniature flowers and animals keep me attentive most of the year. I am so happy that you also enjoy nature as well. Occasionally, I get out to the Shen Valley with my daughter or son-in-law for hikes or autumn photography. The mountains are so beautiful during autumn!

        1. Hi Don! (oops! Sorry. I got your name correct this time!) I have certainly moved away from the city and the suburbs as well. I was born in DC and when I was about 6 mos. old, my parents moved with me to Prince George’s County Maryland.And now many years later I’m in central Va., in the Blue Ridge Mountains within about a 4 mile hike of Shenandoah National Park.I don’t really have a favorite portion when it comes to nature. It all fascinates me. I must say, I do love to get photos of hummingbird moths, since I’ve heard comments about seeing a “baby hummingbird” when speaking of the hummingbird moths!! I’m still enjoying seeing the determined little birds come through stopping at my feeder. I’m going to be particularly interested in seeing what the last day is for their flying through. My son set me up with a system to records birds (and the sounds of insects and other animals) so I’ll know when one has come through even if I haven’t seen it. The recording will be there. Yes, the mountains are incredible during autumn, but I totally love all the seasons – with winter being my favorite. Good luck with your hikes. May you find incredible stuff!!

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