Media Specialist Francis Skalicky snapped a pic of the orbweaver’s spiderweb while out on a trail in Springfield recently. A number of species of orb weavers can be found in Missouri. Their webs are most noticeable in late summer in fall, when webs and adults reach their largest size. People can learn more at  https://nature.mdc.mo.gov/…/field-guide/spotted-orbweavers

Missouri has several species of orb-weaving spiders in genus  Neoscona, all called spotted orbweavers, and some are quite difficult to distinguish, even by specialists. Often, you must observe small details of their anatomy in order to determine the species.

Neoscona  species have a slightly triangular-ovate abdomen with a pattern resembling an upside-down spruce tree. On each side of this midline may be black, brown, and greenish-brown markings. The legs usually are gray with brown rings. The carapace may be gray with brown markings.