10/22/2026
Here is the Marbled orbweaver (Araneus marmoreus), specifically the bright orange βpumpkin spiderβ!
This is a common North American orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae). Key matching features:
- Large, nearly spherical, glossy bright-orange abdomen with dark brown/black irregular βcracked,β veined, or marbled patterns (often looking like maze-like lines or a folium outline).
- Smaller orange-brown cephalothorax (head/thorax) relative to the huge abdomen.
- Legs that are orange to light brown, often with some banding or darker tips.
- Overall size for adult females is typically about 9β20 mm (body length); the abdomen can look pumpkin-like when swollen.
It is also called the pumpkin spider or Halloween spider because of the orange form that becomes especially noticeable in late summer and fall. Color is highly variable in this species (orange, yellow, cream, or even whitish), but the round abdomen + marbled patterning is distinctive.
Harmless to humans.
It is non-aggressive, builds classic circular orb webs (often with a nearby leaf retreat), and helps control insects. Bites are rare and medically insignificant.
