However, distinguishing this shamrock spider from other orb weavers is not a difficult task. To the untrained eye, Araneus trifolium is often mistaken for its orange cousin–the pumpkin spider or Araneus marmoreus. The Shamrock orb weaver spider is easily recognizable due to its striking features, such as a beige or brown body with a high contrast of luminous green, yellowish-brown, or orange abdomen.Īdditionally, this species boasts distinct black legs and white dots adorn the back – all qualities that help discern it from other types of orb-weavers.įurthermore, Shamrock orb weavers in Pennsylvania have large round abdomens, which may also vary in coloration, usually displaying shades of beige and brown but sometimes adding hints of green for an extra pop!įemale Shamrock orb weaver spiders are 0.9 inches, and males are typically smaller. Photo credit: /Cathy Keifer Shamrock orb weaver in Pennsylvania: Identification. Marbled orb weavers in Pennsylvania live near water sources like ponds, rivers, streams, and creeks and make their webs in the wooded areas and vegetation (tall grasses, brush, shrubs, cattails, and reeds) nearby.Ī shamrock spider is munching on a fly. In addition, it is found throughout Alaska and Canada. The marbled orb weaver is found from Texas to North Dakota and the east to the Atlantic States. Male marbled orb weavers are 1/2 the size of the females. Their huge abdomens are yellow with black or dark purpled marbled markings. Marbled orb weavers have orange heads and orangish red bands on their legs. And I apologize for the spiders that escaped my glass jars in that library.Īdult female Marbled orb weavers in Pennsylvania, like the one pictured above, can get as large as. I always believed Marbled orb spiders were in the Thomisidae family (due to the oversized back reaching over the cephalothorax. Marbled orb spiders are part of the genus Araneus which, with nearly 1,500 species worldwide, makes it the largest spider genus.Īuthor’s note: Before the internet, I had to visit the town library weekly to look things up. Marbled orb weaver Spiders in Pennsylvania: Description. Rest assured, despite their agility, these spiders pose no threat whatsoever as they aren’t venomous at all. This eight-legged friend is quite common, from residential homes and lush gardens to wooded areas.

Their impressive eyesight allows them to spot movement from afar – and they are found throughout Pa. J umping spider: Jumping spiders in Pennsylvania leads a fascinating life! With a body length of 1/4 to 3/4 inches, these small but powerful creatures come in shades of brown or black. Fortunately for humans, though, the orb weaver isn’t venomous in any way– so there’s no need to worry. This species typically ranges from 1/4 inch to one whole inch in body size and usually has a brown or yellow hue.įound all over Pennsylvania, these spiders are spotted in gardens, fields, and forests. Orb weaver spider: Orb weaver spiders in Pennsylvania are amazing arachnids due to their intricate, circular webs.

Zebra spider habitat