Hobbies And Interests
Identification
Marbled orb weaver spiders are polymorphic spiders that have a variety of colors and patterns. Many individuals found in New Mexico have a bright orange body with an orange or yellow abdomen. However, some individuals may have a light tan body with an orange abdomen. Both color morphs have orange legs with black bands and they frequently have a black pattern on their abdomen. Marbled orb weavers are one of the largest species of orb weavers and can grow over 1 inch long.
Biology
Marbled orb weavers are reclusive spiders that spend their day in the shelter of leaves near their web. Orb weavers prefer to live in open meadows near forests in New Mexico, but are also found in residential areas where they construct webs on built structures. The spider creates a complex network of silk strands that vibrate when an insect flies into the web. Marbled orb weavers build a new web each night.
Hunting Methods
Marbled orb weavers are nocturnal spiders that remain hidden under leaves during the day. The spider waits by the edge of the web through the night and rushes out to trap insects that become entrapped in the web. Orb weavers secrete a special chemical that prevents their feet from getting trapped in the sticky silk. The spiders quickly wrap the insect in a silk cocoon and then inject venom into the prey to kill it and liquefy the insides of the insect. Orb weavers do not eat their prey whole, but rather suck out the partially digested insides of the trapped insects later in the night.
Significance
Marbled orb weavers play an integral role in helping control insect population in New Mexico. They are highly beneficial animals to have around homes since they capture and kill common garden pests. Although their bright appearance can be alarming, they are harmless spiders that will only bite if persistently provoked; marbled orb weaver bites are not medically significant.