In the Garden: The Orb Weaver

Araneus guttulatus.

Halloween decorations just aren't necessary when beautiful orb weaver spiders are at work.
This Araneus guttulatus was found weaving its magic on the underside of a Southern magnolia Magnolia grandiflora in the east Durham property of Council Treasurer Jennifer.

As beneficial predator, orb weaver spiders help to manage the populations of many destructive "piercing and sucking" insects in the garden.