The starbellied orbweaver (Acanthepeira stellata) is a spider mostly found in fields, so it is not surprising that it has been found at the OSUM prairie. However there is another species of this genus in Ohio, A. cherokee which is nearly identical in appearance. Herbert Levi mentions in his monograph on this genus that there is evidence of hybridization in this group. These spiders are sometimes found in the center (hub) of their orb web during the day, but if disturbed they quickly retreat to a corner of the web and hide in the supporting vegetation.
