Eriophora ravilla, 20 January 2017

Eriophora ravilla, the Tropical orbweaver;
Miami-Dade county, Florida (20 January 2017).

This is a fairly large (and thus likely female) Tropical orbweaver. This fuzzy species can be quite numerous in south Florida, but I also see them from time to time in central Florida. Females are significantly larger than males, and younger males can look very, very different (often sporting a lime-green blotch on the abdomen). Despite their furry, large appearance as adults (especially with the females), this species is not aggressive or a threat to humans. I can’t say the same when it comes to moths and other flying insects that may become ensnared in their webs. Tropical orbweavers are pretty good at catching their prey.