Black-and-yellow Argiope Spider

Description:

Large spider with distinctive yellow and black markings on their abdomens and a mostly white cephalothorax. Males range from 5–9 mm (0.20–0.35 in) females from 19–28 mm (0.75–1.10 in).

Habitat:

It is common to the contiguous United States, Hawaii, southern Canada, Mexico, and Central America. Garden spiders often build webs in areas adjacent to open sunny fields where they stay concealed and protected from the wind. The spider can also be found along the eaves of houses and outbuildings or in any tall vegetation where they can securely stretch a web. This one was spotted at the Silver Bluff Audubon Center near Jackson (Aiken County), SC.

Notes:

These spiders may bite if disturbed or harassed, but the venom is seemingly harmless to humans. Other common names include yellow garden spider, black and yellow garden spider, golden garden spider, writing spider, or corn spider.