Araneus marmoreus (Clerck, 1757)

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Description of Araneus marmoreus (Marbled orb weaver)

Physical Characteristics

Colour and markings highly variable.

Female 5 to 21 mm.
Abdomen grey, brown, yellow or orange with a white, sometimes yellow or light red, cross-shaped pattern and numerous spots in the same colour. A second colour variant has a yellow basic colour with a large dark spot on top.
Carapace greyish brown with a thin black median band.
Legs and palps clearly light-dark annulated.

Male 5 to 9 mm.
Markings and colours almost identical to the female.

Habitat

Humid areas in bushes and trees.

Distribution

Common in the whole of Europe.

Period

Summer and autumn.