The Scary-Looking Ogre-Faced Spider That's Actually Beneficial To Your Garden

When you see a terrifying-looking spider, your first instinct may be to squash it, but you should think twice before trying to get rid of spiders in your garden. While their two larger eyes and stick-like bodies make ogre-faced spiders (Deinopis spinosa) appear somewhat horrific, these arachnids are professional hunters that can help control a variety of pests in your outdoor space. This is because of the unique way they catch other insects, which allows them to capture not only flying pests, as typical spiders do, but insects that crawl on the ground as well.

Because of their unique ability to capture several kinds of insects, ogre-faced spiders are a beneficial spider you'll want in your garden. Not only will the ugly spiders likely eat garden pests, but they might also keep annoying bugs away from your home. Even though these arachnids are aptly named in conjunction with their appearance, they are not as threatening as they may seem. Ogre-faced spiders are somewhat shy and generally won't go after humans, but if one were to bite, the venom isn't harmful to people. Additionally, you may never have to see the spiders while they work at ridding your garden or yard of pests, as they camouflage as small sticks during the day. By allowing these spiders to share your outdoor space, you can limit bothersome insects and help feed some useful arachnids.

While all spiders will prey on other insects, the ogre-faced spider has a unique way of doing so, which allows it to catch more types of bugs. Rather than weaving a web that flying insects will accidentally crash into and get stuck, these spiders will strategically position themselves while holding a web. When a tasty-looking bug crawls across the ground or flies through the air nearby, the ogre-faced spider will smack the net down on or fling it at the insect, often lunging toward it and expanding the web around its prey. Arachnids that do this are known as net-casting spiders. Ogre-faced spiders are known to eat beetles, roaches, crickets, ants, and many other insects.

Due to this unique hunting system, ogre-faced spiders may catch ground insects that are eating your produce or harmful ones that could end up in your house, such as cockroaches. They will also prey on the flying insects that pester you while you sit outside and the ones harming your garden. Though they aren't pretty, ogre-faced spiders are some of the good bugs that'll chase pests from your garden. If you live in the southeastern United States and happen to notice these arachnids in your space, simply leave them alone to hunt for pests at night and enjoy having fewer pesky insects in your garden.