Wild Guide: Marbled Orbweaver

Marbled Orbweaver

Missouri has several species of orb-weaving spiders in genus Araneus, two of which are common in Missouri — the marbled orbweaver and the openfield orbweaver. The marbled orbweaver is a colorful spider with a variable pattern that can be white, yellow, orange, tan, grayish, or even white, with mottling and spotting of black, brown, or purple. Females build their wheel-shaped webs among trees and tall weeds in moist woods, often near streams.

Did You Know?

These rather large spiders are common in open woods, brushy fields, in tall grassy areas, and around fenceposts and buildings. They are common on the eaves of houses and barns. They may build their webs wherever structures are present for support and where flying insects commonly pass through.