Community identification
Marbled Orbweaver
Araneus marmoreus
- Order & Family
- Order Araneae, Family Araneidae
- Size
- Females range from 9-20 mm; males are smaller, ranging from 6-9 mm.
Natural Habitat
Found in woodlands, forest edges, meadows, and gardens; often builds webs among trees and tall weeds.
Diet & Feeding
Carnivorous; feeds on flying insects caught in its web, such as flies, moths, and mosquitoes.
Behavior Patterns
Known for building large vertical orb webs and often hiding in a silk retreat nearby during the day while holding a signal line connected to the web center.
Risks & Benefits
Beneficial to ecosystems as a primary predator of pest insects. Generally non-aggressive to humans and possesses venom that is not medically significant.