Spinybacked Orbweaver, female

Description:

Medium sized spider. Females have a distinct six "spined" body with patterning that resembles a smiley face on the dorsal abdomen. Underside of the body is dark with yellow dots. Coloration can be white, yellow or red.

Habitat:

Various habitats including suburban areas and wooded preserves.

Notes:

This individual's web had been destroyed before I found the spider. These spiders were fairly common. It was easy to spot them since their webs are very distinct looking (and quite large considering the size of the spider).