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BIG spider (Black and Yellow Argiope)

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Zipper Spider
by: Anonymous

It looks like what we call a "Zipper Spider". They are harmless orb weavers. Fun to watch. My uncle likes to tickle their feet (yes, hes a nut)! Lol

Black and Yellow Argiope
by: Moni

Nancy
As everyone has said your spider is the Black and Yellow garden spider. It does go by many names, such as writing spider, yellow garden spider, yellow garden orbweaver, etc.
This is a common garden spider that is black and yellow tho there is some variation in color patterns. They are found thru out most of North America in gardens, meadows, and old fields.

They sit posed upside down to catch prey. They also vibrate the web to test for captured prey!
This spider can regenerate legs if they lose one.
Since this is a large spider with a round abdomen...it is a female. The males have a longer narrower abdomen.
This spider is not a threat to humans...tho it can bite if provoked. As with most spiders, these eat insects that get caught in the web. The zigzag seen on the web is reinforcement of the web so it is strong enough to catch grasshoppers, crickets and other large insects. They are most commonly seen in late summer or fall.
These are beneficial critters to have in the garden.

Spider at work
by: Anonymous

If you want to see one of these big spiders at work, just catch a grasshopper or cricket and put it in the web. You can't believe how fast these spiders can dispatch and wrap up the catch for later.

more on the spider
by: Stuart

We had one of these spin a web last summer outside a window overlooking our rose garden. We left her alone and she stayed for several weeks. Before she left us, she deposited 3 dime-sized spherical brown egg cases and we are waiting to see her progeny. Sometimes called a "writing spider" for the zig-zag pattern of silk in the center of the web, this is the species that served as the inspiration for the title character of E.B.White's immortal children's book, Charlotte's Web. Some spider!

Garden spider
by: Paul

Harmless to humans and good to have around to help control insect pests.

thanks
by: Anonymous

Wow, thank you. I almost didn't believe it was real when my son showed me the picture on his phone - he said it was as big as his hand.

Big Spider
by: Anonymous

I looked up some yellow and black spiders on the web (no pun intended) and came across one that looks very much like yours. It is called "a black and yellow garden spider." It is also called an Argiope. I hope you have a male which has a 1 and 1/4 inch body and bright colors. The female is supposed to get twice as big with duller colors. They aren't supposed to be particularly dangerous, but personally I stay away from all spiders that I am not sure about. The design on the abdomen reminds me of the skull designs the kids have on their clothes, and is very dramatic.

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