While walking along the trails at Glenstone you may spot the intricate, spiral, wheel-shaped webs of Araneus marmoreus, the marbled orb-weaver. Orb-weaver spiders (family Araneidae) are commonly found in a variety of locations, including forests, along rivers, and in urban and suburban areas. A. marmoreus is widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere, including Canada, most of the United States, Europe, and the northern half of Asia. These spiders are easily identified by their oval-shaped abdomen, bright coloration, and striking marbled pattern. There is some variation in color and pattern among A. marmoreus, but the form found in Maryland generally has a white, yellow, or orange abdomen with a black, grey, and white pattern.

–Carly Davis