Orb Weaver - Neoscona pratensis

Moved

Moved from Orb Weavers. Thanks for adding your comment James. I checked your account page and it certainly looks like you are experienced enough to make the call.

… Lynette Elliott, 6 April, 2010 - 9:17am

Moved

Moved from ID Request.

… Ken Schneider, 9 October, 2009 - 5:32pm

Neoscona pratensis

I'm convinced that this specimen is Neoscona pratensis, based on coloration pattern on the body even though there is some variation. This is not unusual. I've never seen this species, but according to the Catalog of Spiders of Nebraska by William Rapp, 1980, there are 5 records scattered across the southern portion of the state. The species and its recorded range is covered in Spiders of the Eastern United States, Howell and Jenkins, 2004.

… James Allan Kalisch, 6 April, 2010 - 8:29am

It does look at little different

but our first thought on seeing this was N. pratensis, too

… john and jane balaban, 14 September, 2009 - 9:40pm

Neoscona pratensis?

I'd like to hear what other people think before moving this one. Compare with: (yours is slightly different... black marks on outside are either small, light or missing?

See link to book description and drawing here

… Lynette Elliott, 14 September, 2009 - 4:22pm

Not sure if that species matc

Not sure if that species matches my picture or not. It doesn't list Missouri in its range, and the body really was more bulbous than elongated. The white lines are similar, but still not sure.

… Shelly Cox, 14 September, 2009 - 4:26pm

I was thinking

the difference you mention could be male-female differences. Also the range doesn't mention MO, but it has been found in Illinois & Kansas, so I wouldn't be surprised if you have some in MO.

… Lynette Elliott, 14 September, 2009 - 4:32pm

That's true, it very well cou

That's true, it very well could be found in MO, if it is in surrounding states. I will be curious to see what it is, she certainly is pretty.

… Shelly Cox, 14 September, 2009 - 4:34pm