Star-Bellied Orb Weaver

The Star-Bellied Orb Weaver (Acanthepeira stellate), is a member of the orb weaver family Araneidae. These spiders can be found in Indiana despite normally being found on North American beaches. Males are slightly shorter than females, measuring 5 to 8 millimeters in length compared to 7 to 15 millimeters for females. They usually have a light or dark brown appearance, though the colors can vary greatly. Their unique abdomens, which have 10 to 12 points and resemble stars, are where they get their peculiar name.

They create webs in the form of wheels to ensnare prey, just like other orb weavers do. Usually, their webs are 6 to 10 inches broad. They rarely, if ever, display hostile behavior toward people, and their bite is not thought to pose any serious medical risks.