Have you noticed large spiders sitting in the middle of big, circular webs lately?  The web shape gives these arachnids their name -- orb weavers.  Most build their webs at night, usually between trees or under house eaves.  Because these spiders don’t see well, they must locate prey by detecting vibration and tension in their sticky web strands. 

Although orb weavers can be found year-round, they are most noticeable in the fall, when the females are mature and ready to lay eggs.

Depending on the species, spiderlings may hatch out quickly or wait until the following spring. 

WILD Facts is written by Linda May, a wildlife interpretive specialist with the Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division.