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Commonly called the marbled spider, this species belongs to one
of several genera of orb or orb weaver spiders that frequently are
found as adults on or around houses and other buildings from late
summer to fall. Adult female marbled spiders are 9-18mm long; some
other orb spiders are smaller and some larger. Most species live one
year, but some survive longer. Orb spiders are not aggressive and,
like the vast majority of spiders, are not dangerous to people.
Bites are rare and usually are no worse than a bee or wasp sting.
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2 January, 2009:
Hi Glen - we live in Pittsburgh, PA (Sewickley). This spider was crawling across our driveway today (11-01-08). Of course, we took pictures and shortly after found your "web"site. It looks as though it may be a Marbled Orb Weaver. We have never ever seen such a cool looking spider. It is absolutely magnificent! Our 4yo duaghter loved to watch it. She thought it was "beautiful"!!! The spider was dropping a web as he walked, it took my husbands eyes to notice that. Well, he safely crossed the driveway and went on his merry way. Figured I would e-mail to tell you of another sighting. Love your website. Thanks for your knowledge. Georgette & Dale
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22 November, 2008
found on an aluminum ladder in garden shed, Sept 2008, East Hampton, Long Island, New York
David |
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22 November, 2008
hi I live in Pennsylvania and I saw this spider on my back porch and took this pic. I never saw one like this before and want to know what kind it is. I wanted it dead because I am terribly afraid of spiders but hubby wouldnt let me. He had my son take it down back in the pine tree line. I hope it isnt venomous. Please email me back if you have any idea what this is.
Bonnie |
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13 November, 2008
Glen,
Can you tell me what kind of spider this is? It looks like the Marbled Orb Weaver but the colors are not the same. We found this spider while hiking a trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Thanks,
Matt |
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6 November, 2008
Hi Glen,
I enjoyed your site as I stumbled upon it while trying to identify this spider I found in our backyard. Who knew so many others had also spotted the same species and wondered about it. Here's another picture for your collection. I spotted this just this month (November 2008) in Aberdeen, Maryland.
Thanks,
Chris |
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25 October, 2008
I came across this beauty in my yard this evening and have never seen anything like it!!!! My kids, said it was probably a Halloween spider because it looks kind of like a pumpkin : ). Just wondering what kind it is.
Thanks!
Joya |
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25 October, 2008
Glen,
I am hoping you are able to help me identify this species. I was on your website and I have to say although I was a little freaked out, it was a pretty cool site. I have been seeing more and more strange breeds of spiders. Now I am not sure if it's because I am more aware of my surroundings since I was bitten 3 years ago. We were never sure what type it was because it was dead on my pillow next to me. I think I swatted it in my sleep.
Anyway I had a bout with spiders and would have to say I am not real fond of them, but some of them are pretty cool looking.
This one however is a one I have never seen anywhere before. I live in Lancaster county, Pa. if that helps. He/she was just kind of hanging on my back screen door. I brought it in , in a plastic container on my counter to take pictures of it. He/she was there a long time and doesn't seem to be too speedy of a spider. It makes no attempt to go anywhere and kind of doesn't really show it's leg span for any prolonged period of time. I tried to capture the leg span in my photos, but I was unsucessful. I hope my pictures came through and you can offer some help on identifing, I had no luck online on my own.
Thanks bunches, Andrea |
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30 September, 2008:
This is another spider I found while out in my yard it is a Marbled Orb Weaver (which I know because of your web site) I think this picture is unique since the mail and the female are both in the picture. I hope you enjoy the pics as much as I do.
Amber, Hartville MO. |
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24 September, 2008:
Hello Glen. This afternoon I saw a super colorful Spider which I have attached a couple photos. I am wondering if you can confirm for me what this one is and of course I have to ask, is it harmful to us or our dog? I think this is one of the most beautiful spiders I have ever seen and my photos do her no justice whatsoever! I did see another spider near it but when next I looked, this other less colorful spider was gone! Not sure if it was eaten or what? I did kill a large male mosquito and used a stick to kinda “fling” it on her web… she quickly attacked it and began to eat it.
From some of the pics I saw digging around on your (EXCELLENT) website, I THINK… this is a Yellow Argiope… but ours seems to be much more colorful than the others on your site? We live in Northeast Ohio just south of Cleveland. I am hoping she’s harmless as again, this thing is stunning to look at and really I don’t like to kill anything (other than flies and mosquitoes!) !!!!!! Anyway… I hope the pictures help and you are more than welcome to use them on your webpage if you wish. Thank You VERY MUCH for your time in advance and I hope to hear back from you soon! … Michael! |
Reply: This is not
an argiope, this is a marbled orbweaver, araneus marmoreus and not
dangerous to you or your dog.
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29 January, 2008
I see it at haycock mountain once a year for about a
month in late September. The webs are really strong and they
are fairly large. The biggest being about the size of a
silver dollar with legs included, maybe a little bigger. I
just can't think of anything else to compare the size to. I
have attached the picture.
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2 December, 2007:
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22 November, 2007:
Thought you might be interested in these pics of an orange
marbled orb weaver I took today with a Nikon digital (Coolpix
2200) set on macro. One of the pics clearly shows all six eyes.
We live in northern Ohio and the weather was rather mild today.
Bruce
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Click for a larger view |
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14 October, 2007:
Hi Glen, I found your website (http://www.spiderzrule.com/)
while trying to identify a yellow spider I saw in Pennsylvania.
I'm attaching some pictures in case you want to add them to your
site.
I found this one October 8, 2007 at Gifford Pinchot State Park
in Lewisberry, Pennsylvania.
Thanks,
Cathleen
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September, 2007:
Hello my name is Cindy. i live in Oak Creek CO. I found this spider
outside in my yard and i was hoping you could tell me what kind it
is and if it is dangerous.
Thank you. |
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5 August, 2007:
Hello. We enjoy your site! My daughters (8 and 5) love
all things that slither and crawl along. I came home today
and they were very excited to show me this spider. We can’t
find a match on your site or anywhere else. Can you help us
identify? Thanks very much. Hurdmans , New Jersey
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17 November, 2006:
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17 November, 2006:
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17 November, 2006:
Hello I live in west michigan and found this in my home
today. In
michigan we dont have very exciting spiders but I am totally
perplexed
at this one!!! can you please tell me what it is and if it is
dangerous?
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31 October, 2006:
We found this spider outside of our home in
upstate NY. Can you help me identify it?
Karen
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31 October, 2006:
Hi, My boyfriend and I happened upon this beauty while hiking in
Montgomery Bell State Park in Tennessee. I attached a pic from
both sides. I found out what kind it was from your site. Thanks.
Amanda
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22 October, 2006:
My son and i found this big boy hanging out in my shed in
Pennsylvania curious what kid it is since its so big.
Thank you in advance for your response.
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22 October, 2006:
Orb Spider? Thanks....Terry, Chesterton Indiana
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22 October, 2006:
Hi Glenn,
Great website! I took these photos of a spider at our barn. I
believe it is an Orb but could you tell us what it actually is?
Feel free to post the pictures on your site.Our children
think the spider was "pretty cool!" Thanks
Sincerely,
Amara
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22 October, 2006:
Hello from the state of Indiana! My wife noticed this
beautiful spider spinning a web this morning outside our kitchen
window. It has a bright yellow abdomen and orange legs with white
stripes, (Photo attached). It is about the size of a quarter. We
have been unable to identify the species. Have you seen this one
before? Can you identify what kind of spider it is? My wife is
concerned that it is poisonous. Best Regards, Richard |
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13 October, 2006:
Hi Glen! What a great site! This creepy crawly was found in
the house dangling from my son's infat seat. It was about 2
inches away from my oblivious son's face. We live in Michigan,
but a few days before the introduction to this spider we had
family visiting (with gifts) from Arizona and Western Australia
to see the new baby. I have tried to ID this one on-line and I
think it might be a Marbled Garden Orb. A few days later we
found another one dead on the infant seat (even though after the
first one we searched the seat inch by inch). I think they might
be living in our front garden on some hostas, but I have not
seen any out there. Of the marbled orbs, I have not seen photo
examples of ones with this little black on the body. Thanks! Amy
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13 October, 2006:
We live in a rural area in southeastern PA and came across
this spider over the weekend. Do you know what kind it is or
anything about it?
Diane
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13 October,
2006:
Glen, I found this spider in Indianapolis, Indiana.
After 4 days in a water bottle, I guess it was time to
let the Orchard Orb Weaver go. He seemed very happy to
go live his life out on a mum. He was even nice enought
to cooperate and let me take a few pictures. He has
already started a nice little web.
Pamela
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8 October, 2006:
Glen, Love your website! I found an interesting spider I
would like you to see and give me your thoughts on......
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30 September,
2006:
Attached is a photo I took of a spider today. I was
wondering if you could tell me what it is called.
Dan Myers
PS. You may use it on your web site if you want.
Click for a larger and full view.
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25 September,
2006:
I hope you can help me. I have attached files of the
spider in question. We live in northern Tippeconoe area.
Thanks Connie
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24 September,
2006:
Please advise
what is it and is it a threat to my dogs or me?
Thank you
Mark
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21 September,
2006:
Orb Weaver. Deleware State Park.
Sincerely,
Jim
Click for a larger view.
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21 September,
2006:
Hi!, Look what I found waiting on my shed door
when I went to mow the grass!! Jumped a little, then grabbed
the camera. Love the web-site. Thanks, Linda, Belcamp, MD
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21 September,
2006:
Hi Glen: I found your spider website while trying to find out
what kind of
spider this is. I still don't know.
Feel free to post the photo if you like it.
Best wishes,
Scott
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14 September,
2006:
Spider in Michigan (pic)
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Reply: Not sure if
this is a marbled orb weaver, or not, colour is right but surface
doesn't look shiny enough.
19 April, 2006:
To Glen, great website. We have a pet golden orb. we live in
Adelaide, South Australia. "Spidey" has just spun an egg sack
and after finding your site we discovered it will soon die and
the eggs will hatch in the spring. Is it possible to move the
sack without hurting it once "spidey" has died? We would like to
watch the complete cycle if we can. I have three girls who have
been fascinated with their pet, and overcome fear of spiders! I
have attatched a picture of Spidey.
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8 December, 2005:
Hi,
i will attach a picture of a spider that I found and photographed in
the woods this fall. I live in upstate NY, Catskill, to be
exact. Wondering if you know what it is...
Thanks,
Mary |
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6 December, 2005:
It was a dark and rainy day
here in Atlanta when I saw this creature making
its slow way across my old concrete patio. It was a bright spot in
an
otherwise gloomy atmosphere. Is it an orb weaver?
Michael
Atlanta GA |
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22 November, 2005:
COULD SOMEONE TELL ME WHAT THIS IS?
THANKS,
AMANDA |
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15 November, 2005:
Hello,
What is this? |
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13 November, 2005:
Hello,
We were hiking down in Cincinnati OH and came across this little
guy. Any idea what kind of spider it is? We had never seen one with
red, white and black legs. The bright orange body was also new for
us.
Thanks
Marla Riggs |
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10 November, 2005:
Glen,
I really like your website. I went on a hike this past weekend and
came across a beautiful orange spider descending from a single web
strand in a very tall tree (picture attached). Can you identify?
Iris |
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8 November, 2005:
My son almost ran into the
web of the attached Marbled Orb Weaver spider at Wind Creek State
Park in Alabama. I took a photo and thought that you may want to add
it to your collection. He/she was a beauty!
Heidi |
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6 November, 2005:
Spider - Have you seen this one? |
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6 November, 2005:
found in SC 10-05 |
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3 November, 2005:
It was underneath my garage overhang. It is really colourful.
I've never seen one like it before. It doesn't move much during the
day. Is it dangerous?
Thanks, |
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31 October, 2005:
Found your website trying to identify the spider I found in
my back yard yesterday - Thought it was one of the most beautiful (
In my mind) colored spiders I've ever seen. Looks like a marbled Orb
but I didn't find any pictures that ID'd it perfectly. What's your
thought? Thanks Dave, Grandville, Mi |
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31
October, 2005:
Hello, I live in New Jersey, USA and today I saw a pregnant
spider that I have never seen before. Could you post this on you
website to see if anyone can ID it. I think it came from a driveway
drain (did not see it emerge, but it was close to the drain when
first noticed) and after photographing it, I put it under a shed in
my back yard so it might survive the winter. Best regards, Larry |
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26 October, 2005:
Glen, I think that these are photos of a Marbled Orb Weaver
that is living in a window in my dining room. She is about the
size of a half dollar. My kids have adopted her and check on
her regularly. Am I right in calling her a Marbled Orb Weaver?
Thanks, John , Pennsylvania |
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16 October, 2005:
Hey, my dad and i found a beatiful spider in my moms
butterfly bush. It was eating wood bees! I sent you some pictures
just in case you wanted them.
Click
for a larger view. |
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Reply: No it is a marbled orb
weaver. 8 October, 2005:
Hi there, I have to say I have a horrid fear of spiders but
this guy was in his web and I got up the courage to get close to him
with my camera. Am I correct in assuming that this is a golden orb?
Thank you so much for your help, Ingrid, Eastern PA |
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30 September, 2005:
Orb Weaver Garden Spider? On
my back deck, Waterford, Mi....taken 9-26-05
Chuck |
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27 September,
2005:
Hi! Great Spider page! I
found this fella in the back yard. He wove a spiral web. Is this a
Garden Orb? I’m in the States, in the hills of New Jersey. Thanks!
Harry
Malvern, PA 19355
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4
August, 2005:
from west Greenwich, Rhode
island. not sure if you wanted to use the pics or not! your website
is great. Click for a larger view |
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25
July, 2005:
Any idea what this might be
then? anyone? anyone? it was found in North East Maryland. Is
this thing even common?! |
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13 April, 2005:
This is a very unusual spider, not common to Indiana. I
nearly stepped on it as it was slowly crossing my driveway. I have
no idea what this spider is. It was Fall so I helped it into my
garage. Not sure what became of it since. Can anyone help to
identify what
type of spider this was? |
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1 February, 2005:
I found her on my sliding glass door. Thought she was
beautiful and wanted to share her with everyone.
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Click here for
Page 2 of Marbled Orb Weavers |
Orb weavers (Araneidae) are
often brightly coloured with
rounded abdomens, some with
peculiarly angled humps or
spines. However, there is
considerable variation in size,
colour and shape in this group.
They are often recognized for
building beautiful, large, round
webs, on which they rest, head
downward, waiting for prey.
The webs consist of a number
of radiating threads crossed by
two spirals. The inner spiral
begins in the centre, winds
outward, and is made of smooth
threads like the radiating
threads. It covers only the
central 1/3 of the web. The outer spiral begins at the edges
and winds inward. It is made of more elastic, sticky threads, coated with a liquid substance.
One of the largest and most commonly encountered members of this group is Argiope aurantia, the yellow garden spider
and we have photos of them on their 
