The white cross marking on the abdomen of the Cross Spider became its name and main identifier. Originally from Europe, it was transported to North America and has settled in nicely given the similar climates of both continents. Unlike other non-native species, this exotic addition is not a pest. It is not harmful to humans either. It is a good worker in the garden and helps control real pests from destroying plants.
Like most members of the Orbweaver family, the Cross Spider sits in the center of its web with its head down. It may be spotted at times on the edge of its web or on a stem with its legs tucked under itself. If it feels threatened or in danger, it may first use its legs to violently shake and shimmy its web to startle the threat in hopes of causing it to leave. If that does not happen, the spider will drop to the ground and return to its web's center when it feels safe again. This spider creates a new web every day.
The Cross Spider female is almost twice the size of the male. There is evidence that some females eat the male after mating. Females lay eggs in a sac that is usually hung from the web. Their life span is only 12 months long.
This spider can be found in a variety of habitats. They are comfortable and successful in woodlands, savannas, meadows, gardens, grasslands, semi-arid regions and evergreen forests.
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