Yellow Garden Spiders
The yellow garden spider (Argiope aurantia) may also be referred to as the black and yellow garden spider. Belonging to a group of spiders known as orb weavers, yellow garden spiders are easily seen and can be quickly identified.
Female yellow garden spiders measure up to 30 mm in body length, while males rarely reach lengths greater than 8 mm. The cephalothorax of the yellow garden spider is covered with silver hair, while the abdomen exhibits clear markings in black and yellow. At the center of the abdomen, one black stripe and yellowish spots are visible. The eight legs of the yellow garden spider are black with stripes ranging in color from yellow to orange.
The yellow garden spider is known for its ability to spin incredibly complex web patterns. Anchored to branches, twigs, plant stems and other structures, their webs are extremely strong and can reach diameters as large as 60 cm. Yellow garden spider webs can withstand the weight of numerous trapped insects.
The yellow garden spider hangs at the center of its web while waiting for food to come. It senses the presence of prey when the lines of its web begin to vibrate. The yellow garden spider then moves quickly to immobilize prey and to encase it in silk.