The Cat-Like Spider You Should Leave In Your Garden

Most of us have a knee-jerk reaction when we spot a spider in the garden. We see it, or worse, stumble into its web and — whack — off it goes. But before you reach for that shoe, consider this: maybe you shouldn't kill spiders on sight. They aren't dangerous, and some are downright useful. Enter the cat-faced spider, aka Araneus gemmoides. While it doesn't quite match the cuteness its name implies, this little arachnid is actually a pretty good ally for green thumbs everywhere.

Before you totally blow off the idea of letting a spider set up shop in your garden, take a moment and appreciate what this particular arachnid has to offer. More than just a web spinner, the cat-faced spider can become a true asset to your backyard, mainly by catching and keeping unwanted bugs out of your garden. They are completely harmless to humans as well. So, how do you spot this beneficial spider?

Cat-faced spiders are relatively small, ranging from half a centimeter to two centimeters across. Females tend to be larger than their male counterparts, especially when ballooned up with eggs, making them slightly easier to spot than the opposite sex. 

Next, these spiders are surprisingly adept at blending in, so you will want to pay close attention and keep an eye out for their distinctive shape. Sporting colors from light brown to rich caramel, these arachnids have two prominent horn-like bumps on the top of their abdomen that look like cat eats as well as two dimpled patterns resembling cat eyes, which is where their name comes from. 

As for where they like to hang out, cat-faced spiders typically dwell a foot or two above the ground, often with their heads facing downward, lurking for unsuspecting insects to wander into their webs. The strategic positioning of their webs, often between branches or plants, allows them to catch a variety of flying insects, making them excellent pest controllers in your garden. It also means if you want to find one, you're better off looking low, down along your bushes and plants, rather than up in your building's eaves.

Finally, why should you welcome these spiders with open arms — or at least not send them scurrying? Simply put, cat-faced spiders are voracious eaters of garden pests. They are an eco-friendly way to keep bugs out of your garden, snacking on a variety of insects that could otherwise wreak havoc on your plants. From aphids to beetles, they have an appetite for the bugs we'd rather not see munching on our precious blooms.

Unlike chemical pesticides, which can harm not only the bad bugs but also the good ones, cat-faced spiders target only the nuisances. They help maintain a balanced garden ecosystem, making it easier for other beneficial insects to do their jobs. Think of them as the unsung heroes of the garden world, quietly contributing to your garden's health while demanding nothing in return.

Next time you spot a spider in your garden, take a closer look before sending it packing. The surprisingly helpful cat-faced spider might just be the ally your plants need to thrive. By letting this natural predator do its thing, you're not only supporting a healthier garden ecosystem but also reducing the need for harmful pesticides, and we would call that a total win-win.