What kind of spider is this?

Pepper · 08-31-2005, 12:04 PM

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

Orion · 08-31-2005, 12:25 PM

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

Pepper · 08-31-2005, 04:52 PM

Thanks, Orion!!!

That is precicely the spider I saw. Great link!

Jonas Pilot · 08-31-2005, 06:08 PM

Are you sure that's the same spider?

Pepper · 08-31-2005, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonas Pilot

Are you sure that's the same spider?

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!

jkjoshuatree · 08-31-2005, 10:17 PM

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

08-31-2005, 12:04 PM	#1
Pepper Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Laconia, NH Posts: 1,284 Thanks: 409 Thanked 155 Times in 40 Posts	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 Attached Images __________________ Never waste time lamenting what was. Simply celebrate what is! Last edited by Pepper; 08-31-2005 at 12:21 PM. Reason: added additional information and link

08-31-2005, 12:25 PM	#2
Orion Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: MA Posts: 914 Thanks: 602 Thanked 193 Times in 91 Posts	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 Last edited by Orion; 08-31-2005 at 12:27 PM.

08-31-2005, 04:52 PM	#3
Pepper Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Laconia, NH Posts: 1,284 Thanks: 409 Thanked 155 Times in 40 Posts	Thanks, Orion!!! That is precicely the spider I saw. Great link! __________________ Never waste time lamenting what was. Simply celebrate what is!

08-31-2005, 06:08 PM	#4
Jonas Pilot Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is my home, 24-7-365 Posts: 1,686 Thanks: 1,047 Thanked 336 Times in 189 Posts	Are you sure thats the same spider? Are you sure that's the same spider?

08-31-2005, 10:17 PM	#6
jkjoshuatree Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Bear Island Posts: 642 Thanks: 349 Thanked 145 Times in 77 Posts	Ditto... I just saw this same spider in my garage the other day. And it was a big sucker too. __________________ Dream out loud.