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Photo#306818
Sheetweb spider? - Frontinella communis

Sheetweb spider? - Frontinella communis
Waynesboro, Augusta County, Virginia, USA
July 19, 2009
I found this tiny spider in the middle of what I believe is a sheetweb constructed on an azalea bush branch in my yard.

The web is about three inches across and is composed of multiple strands running back and forth, not in any particular order that I can discern.

The spider is not shy and pretty much ignored my setting up the focus on my camera through the many strands of the web, even though I managed to bump the mass several times.

He/she alternated between hanging immobile as shown and repairing damage done by a recently ensnared moth that was still fluttering about.

I didn't notice any attempt to bite the moth to stop this. I wonder does this type not poison its prey?

The body and legs of the spider span about 1/8".

Can anyone identify this tiny spider for me?

Thank you.

Moved
Moved from Frontinella.

Moved
Moved from Spiders.

Moved
Moved from ID Request.

Yes.
Sheetweb weaver it is. Hard to tell beyond that. Web shape is everything. Bowl with sheet underneath? Then "bowl and doily." Dome? Then dome builders in the genus Nierene. Should be one of those two.

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