Fauna
Arachnid

Marbled Orbweaver

Araneus marmoreus

Also known as Pumpkin Spider, Marbled Spider

Marbled orbweavers construct vertical spiral webs across woodland openings, waiting inside a silk-lined curled leaf retreat positioned just above the web. Adult females swell dramatically in mid-autumn, displaying a vivid yellow, orange, or marbled abdominal pattern that aids in thermal regulation during cooling days. A single tension line connects the hidden spider's claw to the web center, transmitting vibrations the instant an unsuspecting flying insect strikes the sticky threads.

Web WeaverHolarcticWoodland
Marbled Orbweaver reference1 / 7
(c) Bill Keim, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyMoths, Flies, Craneflies
Predators
  • Blue jays and other songbirds
  • Mud dauber wasps
  • Treefrogs
ThreatsWidespread insecticide application, habitat destruction, and removal of understory shrubs
HabitatsDeciduous and mixed forests, wooded stream margins, overgrown fields, and shrubby forest edges
Life spanAbout 1 year
Classification
  1. OrderAraneae
  2. FamilyAraneidae
  3. GenusAraneus
  4. SpeciesAraneus marmoreus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a close distance; bites are exceptionally rare, defensive, and medically harmless.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting the Retreat: Follow the silk signal line from the web hub to a nearby curled leaf where the spider hides.
  • Gentle Lighting: Use low-angle flashlight illumination at dawn or dusk to highlight web architecture without disturbing the spider.
  • Autumn Timing: Look in low trees and tall bushes during October when mature females reach their largest, roundest size.
Related species
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