Explanation of Names
The origin of the name is due to the extended length of the chelicerae (jaws), as compared to other orb weavers (Araneidae).
Compare a long-jawed orb weaver:
to a normal orb weaver (NOTE: the black portion in front of the face are the jaws. The small leg-like appendages in front of the face are not jaws, but rather pedipalps*):
* Pedipalps are used for sensing their immediate environment, assisting with eating, and for males, reproduction (specifically sperm deposition).
Identification
The Web:
The long-jawed orb weaver webs are orb shaped (concentric circles, with 12-20 spokes
(1) radiating from the center to anchor points (such as tree branch)). The angle of the web is typically somewhere between vertical and horizontal.
The Spider:
The spider varies in appearance, but the most commonly found are long-legged, thin-bodied spiders. When at rest, it may cling length-wise along a twig or blade of grass, holding on with the short third pair of legs. The long pairs of legs are extended. There are more than 250 species worldwide, but there are only approximately 12 species in the US; commonly found in meadows near water
(1):
Or the
Orchard Spider (
Leucauge Venusta):
Range
Throughout the United States and Southern Canada
Habitat
The genus Tetragnatha is typically located in meadows near water, and around the banks of waterways (rivers, lakes, swamps), usually on low-hanging branches and reeds. Their primary sources of food are smaller insects.
The orchard spider (Leucauge venusta) is found throughout the woods of the Eastern US. Their primary sources of food are various insects.
Remarks
Bites:
These spiders will bite if threatened, but the bite is not harmful to people. It is recommended that these spiders are not picked up, but rather observed in their natural environment (e.g. - on their web).
Internet References
Wikipedia ~ List of species with some images.
