Basilica Orb Weaver

Mecynogea lemniscata is more commonly known as the Basilica Orb Weaver. It is one of New Jersey's orb-weaving spiders with the brightest decorations. Although it is primarily prevalent in the east, it also occurs in a few central and western states. Female basilica orb weavers are larger than males and range in length from 5 to 9 millimeters as adults.

The abdomen is not spherical like that of most orb weavers, but rather seems rectangular. The lengthy abdomen has inlays of orange, brown, yellow, and black that are bordered by slender red and white lines on the dorsal side. The carapace, meanwhile, resembles a cat's eye with brown rims, an orange iris, and a black line running down the middle. Although they are Araneidae, basilica orb-weavers create dome-shaped webs to ensnare victims. It's interesting that they simply build new webs when necessary rather than repairing damaged ones. There is no medical significance to their bite.