Despite its fearsome appearance, Micrathena mitrata is not considered dangerous to humans and is generally regarded as a harmless spider.
At the tip of its abdomen, it has several pairs of spinnerets, which produce different types of silk for various purposes, including web-building and wrapping prey.
[7] In summary, Micrathena mitrata has a physiology that is specialized for hunting, spinning webs, and thriving in its natural environment.
[5] Micrathena mitrata is commonly found in North America, particularly in the eastern and central regions of the United States, as well as in Canada.
[6][8] The spider prefers wooded areas, especially near streams and other bodies of water, where it can build its web low to the ground, often near shrubs or trees.
[10] Overall, Micrathena mitrata is a habitat generalist that can thrive in a range of environments, as long as it has access to prey and suitable places to build its web.
[12][13] The male's sacrifice is thought to increase the chances of his sperm fertilizing the female's eggs, and provide a source of nutrition for the developing offspring.
Overall, Micrathena mitrata is a skilled predator that feeds on a range of insects and small arthropods that become trapped in its web.
[10] The spider's venomous bite and digestive enzymes allow it to efficiently consume its prey and gain the nutrients it needs to survive and reproduce.