What kind of spider is this?
 

On Monday I happened upon this amazing spider and it's web. I've not had any luck identifying the spider, and hoped that someone here might know what it is. Anybody ever seen one? The back of the spider was very yellow on the edges and black in the center. I was unable to position myself for a clear photo of the back. Here's a photo of the underside as it sat waiting for a strike on the web.

Also, while it appears in some respects to be a "Saint Andrew's Spider" the markings on this spider are vertical, and all the photos I found of a St. A's are showing horizontal markings.

Additionally, I did locate a photo of a black and yellow garden spider, which looks quite different markings-wise, but shows the interesting "reinforcement" woven into the web, just like the one I saw. Click here for the link to that spider: http://www.enature.com/fieldguides/d...?recnum=IS0107

So, I'm looking for some expert guidance. Anyone?

Spidergirl?????????????

Thanks,
Pepper

Garden spider
 

It's a common Garden Spider. An orb-weaver. Your photo looks like it might be the underside.

Link to info:

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

Thanks, Orion!!!

That is precicely the spider I saw. Great link!

Are you sure thats the same spider?
 

Are you sure that's the same spider?

I am.
 

I am. Although I could not photograph the back of the spider, I was able to see it with a mirror. It looked precicely like the one in the link provided by Orion.

Also, reading the details in the link provided, I discovered that these spiders remove their webs each night. That explains why the web was gone the next day! :D

Ditto...
 

I just saw this same spider in my garage the other day. And it was a big sucker too.