Adult Spotted Orb Weaver (Neoscona crucifera) spiders show up in late summer, early autumn. Just in time to help decorate for Halloween. These good sized (female bodies are about 3/4 inch long, male bodies are slightly smaller) spiders fit the part, showing up in brown/orange bodies with striped legs of cream, brown and orange colors.

It is only the female Spotted Orb Weavers that spin webs, and during the autumn they may turn from nocturnal to diurnal. For the past few days there has been one on the storm door at my back door. Catching insects for its sustenance.

Once an insect is captured by a spider it will be wrapped, round and round with the spider’s silk. I’m not only delighted by the decorating that these spiders do, but I can’t help but celebrate that they from time to time will capture a Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.