Is the western spotted orb-weaver spider dangerous to humans?

The western spotted orb-weaver spider is not dangerous to humans. Although the spider is venomous, the venom is so mild that it is considered to be non-toxic for humans. They are also characteristically a non-aggressive species of spider and do not bite unless they feel threatened.

This species of spider derives its name from the shape of its web. All orb spiders build the same style of web. However, the western spotted orb-weaver is unique in that it does not include a stabilizing zigzag pattern in the center of its web. Each morning, the orb-weaver takes down its web, eats the strands in order to recycle the proteins, and then constructs a new web.