Black and yellow spider

Description:

The female Argiope is a large, conspicuous spider up to 1-1/8 inch long at maturity. The large abdomen is black with yellow or orange markings. The carapace of the cephalothorax is covered with silvery hairs, and their legs are black with reddish or yellow bands . There is a large difference in size between the male and female of this spider species. The male is about half the size of the female, and similar but often brighter in color.

Habitat:

Wildlife habitat yard.

Notes:

The coloration, size, and web of this spider at maturity make it conspicuous in the garden. The zigzag design in the center of the web may help to camouflage the spider. Some scientists theorize that the stabilimenta (zigzag) in the center of the web serves to make the web more easily seen by birds that will then avoid flying through it. 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.