Araneus mitificus sanctuary in a leaf at the margins. The leaf is bent at the edges and roofed with a mesh of silk. If a prey animal becomes entangled in the web, the vibrations from its struggle travel to the center of the web, then along a single long strand of silk (the signal line) positioned in the empty section. The strand is linked to the hidden spider. Once the spider feels the signal line vibrate, it will rush out to capture the prey. Males also build orb webs, often near the webs of females. Their webs are usually smaller. Araneus mitificus
Araneus quadratus wooded areas, or wherever there is vegetation to string an orb web across. This species builds its web close to the ground to catch jumping insects such as small grasshoppers. The female builds the more elaborate web, complete with a funnel-shaped retreat off to the side where she goes during inclement weather. The web is smaller and closer to the ground than those of other species of orb-weaver. Adult females can actively change their color. It takes about three days to take on colors that accurately match their resting surface. Araneus quadratus Araneus quadratus, the four-spot orb-weaver, is a common