Meet the Marbled Orb Weaver

The Marbled orb weaver (Araneus marmoreus) is a common type of spider found throughout North America. This colorful spider is also sometimes referred to as the pumpkin spider because the females abdomen appears swollen and orange like a gourd. Orb weavers catch and eat many different insect species by constructing elaborate orb shaped webs, which layer together sticky and nonsticky fibers. The nonsticky fibers absorb the movements of the prey, and the sticky strands restrain the insect as the weaver moves in for the kill. Marbled orbweavers are significant insectivores and serve as food for many species of wasps and birds. While these creatures are born in the spring, most sightings are in the fall, making them the perfect Halloween spider. Don’t be afraid of this magnificent arachnid - they aren’t interested in what they can’t catch in their webs! To learn more about marbled orb weavers, visit: https://extension.psu.edu/marbled-orbweaver-spider

This Wildlife Wednesday provided by Zander Hine, Student Board member