Trashline orbweaver spiders get their common name because they’re not the tidiest of spiders, decorating their web with a line of debris (prey remains, plant material, etc.). This “mess” helps camouflage the spider, protecting it from potential predators. Five species of Cyclosa occur in North America north of Mexico, but only Cyclosa conica and Cyclosa turbinata are found in Montana. We’re not 100% sure, but we believe that this is the former. Cyclosa turbinata females have two bumps or “shoulders” on the top of their abdomen (near the front) that we’re not seeing on this individual. Females and males mature from mid May to summer.
Photos by: Marjorie Pelletier on 6/9/21 in Seeley Lake, MT
