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White Micrathena


The White Micrathena (Micrathena mitrata) is a small orb-weaving spider that is typically foundin mixed hardwood forests, but they can also be found around homes and gardens. The back of this spider's abdomen is white with black markings has 4 spines on its abdomen. It is the least common of the 3 Micrathena species that are found in the eastern U.S.  The underside is mostly black, but with some brighter markings. The female is 4 to 6mm (1/8 to 1/4") in length, and the male is 3 to 4 mm (less than 1/4").

The White Micrathena is more readily seen in the late summer and fall. Their webs do not hang vertically as in most orbweavers; they are somewhat angled with some circular patterning toward the center. They are usually relatively close to the forest floor. The White Micrathena specializes in small flying insects, such as small mosquitos.

The White Micrathena, like many spiders, only lives for a year. They hatch in the spring and molt as they grow; they die when cold weather sets in. When they reproduce, the male visits the web but he often becomes food for the female and her offspring afterward.

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  • Home
  • Animals
    • Birds >
      • Avian Taxonomy
      • Bird Species Profiles
    • Mammal Species Profiles
    • Reptiles
    • Amphibians >
      • Frog and Toad Species Profiles
    • Fish
    • Arthropods >
      • Arthropod Species Profiles
  • Plants
    • Native Plant Societies
    • Eastern Plant Identification Guide
  • Fungi
    • Fungi Species Profiles
  • Protists
  • Nature Products Store
  • Cell Phone Ringtones
  • Madbird Feeder Cam
  • Ramblings of the Madbird Biologist
  • Bird Videos
  • News in Science
  • Nature Inspired Recipes
  • An Introduction to Scientific Classification and Naming
  • Birds in the Classroom
  • Resources
  • About Me