In 'Charlotte's Web', what is the specific species of Charlotte the spider?

In 'Charlotte's Web', what is the specific species of Charlotte the spider?

• A. Latrodectus mactans
• B. Theridion grallator
• C. Argiope aurantia
• D. Araneus cavaticus

Answer: (D)

Charlotte is described as a barn spider, a common orb-weaver that lives in barns and outbuildings. The barn spider’s scientific name is Araneus cavaticus, which matches the book’s portrayal of Charlotte as a sturdy, practical spinner found around a farm setting. The other listed species are known for different habitats or traits—Latrodectus mactans is the black widow; Theridion grallator is a tiny Hawaiian species; Argiope aurantia is the bright yellow garden spider—so they don’t fit Charlotte’s described identity.

Charlotte is described as a barn spider, a common orb-weaver that lives in barns and outbuildings. The barn spider’s scientific name is Araneus cavaticus, which matches the book’s portrayal of Charlotte as a sturdy, practical spinner found around a farm setting. The other listed species are known for different habitats or traits—Latrodectus mactans is the black widow; Theridion grallator is a tiny Hawaiian species; Argiope aurantia is the bright yellow garden spider—so they don’t fit Charlotte’s described identity.