Araneus gemmoides Araneus gemmoides Araneus gemmoides, commonly known as the jewel spider (a name shared with "Austracantha minax") and cat-faced spider (a name shared with "Araneus gemma"), is a common outdoor orb-weaver spider found in the USA and Canada. They are considered harmless and have low-toxicity venom. "A. gemmoides" are useful natural predators for insects. "A. gemmoides" make their webs near lights, closed spaces, and on the sides of buildings. They can also be found under wood, overhangs, or guarded places such as animal burrows. They come in varying colors but are easily identified by the two horn shaped growths on their
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