Marbled Orb-weaver (likely)
Scientific Name: Araneus marmoreus (likely)
Order & Family: Order Araneae, Family Araneidae (Orb-weavers)
Size: Females typically 8-14 mm; males 5-8 mm. The one in the image appears to be a female due to its size and prominent abdomen.
Natural Habitat
Found in a variety of habitats including woodlands, gardens, fields, and near human structures. They often build large orb webs between vegetation or structures.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily consumes flying insects caught in its web, such as flies, moths, mosquitoes, and beetles.
Behavior Patterns
Marbled orb-weavers are nocturnal, often building or repairing their webs at dusk and consuming them at dawn. They usually hide during the day in a retreat made of leaves and silk, connected to the web by a signal line. The spider in the image is resting near its web, consistent with daytime behavior.
Risks & Benefits
Potential Risks: They are generally harmless to humans. While they can bite, their venom is not considered medically significant and typically results in minor localized pain and swelling, similar to a bee sting. Potential Benefits: They are beneficial predators, helping to control insect populations, particularly those considered pests.
Identified on: 9/21/2025