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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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Reply: This is a marbled orb weaver - glen
20 November, 2011:
I was scared to death of this spider in the backyard here in PA- thanks for letting me know what it is and that it is not harmful to me or the dog:)
Patty
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Reply: This is a marbled orb weaver - glen
20 November, 2011:
Identify spider??
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Reply: This is a marbled orb weaver - glen
22
October, 2011:
Attached is a photo of a Marbled Orbweaver that built it's web and shelter in my blackberry patch here in Lincoln County, North Carolina. Love your website!
Keith B.
Iron Station, North Carolina
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Reply: This is a marbled orb weaver - glen
22
October, 2011:
I found this guy in his web on the overhang of my garage in Asheville North Carolina on October 17, 2011.
He had a large orb web and I watched him wrap up a small moth that flew into the web.
Amy,
Asheville, NCy
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Reply: Yes this is a marbled orb weaver - glen
22
October, 2011:
I saw this spider while hiking the Appalachian Trail in the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia a few weeks ago. It was crawling up my leg as I was having lunch, creeped me out. Do you know what it is?
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Reply: This is a marbled orb weaver - glen
22
October, 2011:
Please let me know if you post one or both of these pics, and identify this spider.
Thanks!
Dave
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Reply: This is the underside but it it probably a marbled orb weaver - glen
22
October, 2011:
Turned on the porch light last night to find this fella
had woven his beautiful web and was at work .
He was almost electric in his beautiful color and
was quite willing to be photographed. (see attached) |
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Reply: This is a marbled orb weaver - glen
11
October, 2011:
Hi Glen… I’m providing two pics of a Marbled Orb Weaver observed on the eve of my home located in the northwestern mountains of North Carolina. I thought these were good examples of spider with the legs extended and withdrawn. I was unaware of the type until obtaining the identification on the web (pardon the pun). I didn’t know if you would like these for your website or not, but thought I’d submit them.
I just found your site tonight and thanks for the detailed information and photographs.
Steve,
Boone, NC
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Reply: This is a marbled orb weaver - glen
11
October, 2011:
Thanks for your website! We were fascinated when we inadvertently ran through this web while hiking at Nob Mister park in Missouri.
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Reply: This is a marbled orb weaver - glen
17 September, 2011:
I am not sure but is this an orb weaver? It was seen in the North Georgia Mountains today Nov 19,2010. It was walking across a driveway in a heavily wooded area. Mostly long needle pines and some oaks and maples and cherries.
Thanks.
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13 March, 2011:
Here are a few pictures of some spiders that I took. One is a Marbled Orb Weaver Spider that I took on November 11, 2010. She was coming down out of the tree on a single thread blowing in the wind and almost blew into my mom, my sister and her Fiance who was holding their 15 month old daughter, as they were walking by on the sidewalk. My sister came running back in to get me, of course I grabbed my camera. This other spider is unknown to me. I have seen several in the house and would like to know what kind they are. I live in Northern Illinois. Thank You.
Amy T. |
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Reply: Yes this is a marbled orb weaver - glen
12 December, 2010:
I am not sure but is this an orb weaver? It was seen in the North Georgia Mountains today Nov 19,2010. It was walking across a driveway in a heavily wooded area. Mostly long needle pines and some oaks and maples and cherries.
Thanks.
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12 December, 2010:
I found this orange spider in Ancaster Ontario in my back yard bushes. I have never seen in my life a spider so beautiful in colour or to have such pronounced markings and a face clearly visible. Could you please help identify.
Thank you
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7 November, 2010:
Hi,
We just found this guy in our garage and believe him to be some sort of orb weaver? We are from Southeastern Pennsylvania, and have never seen a spider of this color! Any help with further identification would be appreciated! Thanks!
Jen
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20 October, 2010:
hi! got some pictures of a marbled orb spider today. (October 17, 2010) never saw anything like it before. until I found your website with tons of pictures! I was cleaning outback and moved a wet towel and it was sitting underneath it. at first I was creeped out but then fascinated! I put it in some shrubs out back, hopefully I will get to see a web... I am from Warminster, PA |
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14 October, 2010:
got some nice pictures here from my house in NJ:
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~ Rob |
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10 October, 2010:
Check out this spider that showed up on my front door in Canton, CT.
Sincerely,
Rolf |
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26 September, 2010:
Spider from New Hartford, CT |
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13 September, 2010:
Hi Glen,
I very much enjoy your site and it's been very helpful in identifying our local arachnids. We have a marbled orb weaver just outside our porch this fall (north central Maryland). While you have a lot of pictures of them, I know you only have one or two showing the male, so I thought I'd send you this. If you can use it, please feel free to post it. His attempt wasn't successful. It started raining and both spiders parted ways. Hopefully he'll be back to try again!
Laura |
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12 September, 2010:
I live in Pennsylvania and I was wondering if you would identify this spider for me. A friend of mine found it and it's coloring and markings are similar to an orb weaver, but this one is so fuzzy I am not sure it is the same. The images on your page show the same coloration around the head, thorax and legs as her spider, but the fuzz is throwing me off. Thanks so much for your help!
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21 May, 2010:
I used your web to identify this spider. Photo taken in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia. Thank-You Dean
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9 November, 2009:
MARBLED ORB WEAVERS - Intrusion Attempt
Click for a larger view, lovely closeup. |
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Reply: Yes I'd say you are - glen
9 November, 2009:
The second grade class was on a walk at Big Reed Pond, Montauk, Long Island on Oct. 31, 2009 and came across this spider. We looked it up and think it's a Marbled Orb Weaver. Are we right?
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2 November, 2009:
Came across this in the woods (southern missouri). What's the name of
this? Thanks. Marshall
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23 October, 2009:
Can you help identify this spider. It was found in side a product purchased that was made in China.
Mario |
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23 October, 2009:
I live in Alexandria, VA. This marbled orb weaver in my back yard has
been very active today... I got shots of it wrapping up first a yellow
jacket and then another insect!
Sarah |
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10 October, 2009:
Can you tell me what kind of spider this is? Kathy |
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10 September, 2009:
I found this one in the garden in Onalaska Wisconsin Sept 9
Mary
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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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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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9
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.
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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.
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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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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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Page 2 of Marbled Orb Weavers |