Long-horned orb-weaver spider. (Photo: Alen thien/Shutterstock) The long horned orb-weaver, Macracantha arcuata, is also known as the curved spiny spider. It's easy to see how it earns either moniker.

As spiders go, spiny-backed orb-weavers (Gasteracantha cancriformis) aren’t very intimidating. Fully-grown females are barely half an inch across, and males are even tinier.

Some people call this little spider a “crab spider.” Its more official common name is “crablike spiny orb weaver.” Whatever you call it, the critter really is more like a cr… ...

Spiny orb weaver spiders look much different and usually have six pointed spines protruding from their oval-shaped abdomens. They are also brightly colored, instead of dull like their garden ...

These spiny orb weavers are common throughout the south, with some color variation, though the ones encountered in our region are mostly white with black spots. They have red spines and look like ...

Spiny-backed orb weavers, like the Gasteracantha cancriformis shown here, come in a variety of colorations and can be found all over North, Central, and South America. This one was photographed in ...

Orb Weaver Webs. The webs constructed by orb weavers are the classic circular webs that we most often associate with garden spiders. They look a little like a round fishing net, and their purpose ...

These spiny orb weavers are common throughout the south, with some color variation, though the ones encountered in our region are mostly white with black spots with red spines and look like tiny ...

Spring is the time when many spiders emerge from their winter hiding places and start doing what they do best: spinning webs. This is when you may spot the classic cobwebs in your yard or garden.