Spider indentification

caberjim · #1 08/30/04, 09:38 AM

I'm hoping someone might be able to identify a spider we found back by the compost pile. It was in a web and it was big, nealy 2 inches in length with the body being over an inch long. The most distinguishing feature was its bright yellow body with a black marking that looked a lot like a face. I've never seen anything like it before. We're in Maryland, if that helps.

Have not been able to identify it on the internet yet.

Thanks for the help.

jim

caberjim · #2 08/30/04, 09:44 AM

Looks like I found it. The Black and Yellow Argiope is a common orb web spider.

http://www.fcps.k12.va.us/StratfordL...ow_argiope.htm

Very neat looking.

jim

Tractorman · #3 08/30/04, 09:47 AM

We call them garden spiders

Tater'sPa · #4 08/30/04, 10:02 AM

Yup, sounds like a garden spider or around here we call them writing spider.
They are beautiful even for a spider

mistletoad · #5 08/30/04, 03:11 PM

The boys call those "Zag" spiders because of the zig-zag pattern in the web.

Sarah J · #6 08/30/04, 05:11 PM

A beautiful and BENEFICIAL spider - try not to disturb her...she's keeping your garden free of the pests that would otherwise be mean and nasty to your plants! :haha: I love seeing them - big and imposing, but beatiful and a blessing to have. Found one in the corner of my garden gate the other day - first one I've seen all year and I was beginning to worry!

Sarah

havellostmywings · #7 08/30/04, 05:11 PM

we have one living on the back side of our mobile home.. she is HUGE.. including her legs, she is the size of my hand...

she is having to work hard right now too.. the love bugs are out in force and really tearing up her web... but then again she is eating good too...

really a beautiful spider

Lynn in Texas