Black and Yellow Argiope Spider

Description:

Female spiders are much larger than males, growing almost from 3/4" to 1 1/8". Males grow between 1/4" to 3/8". Both spiders have a cephalothorax (small front body section) covered with short, silvery hairs. The shiny, egg-shaped abdomen has yellow or orange coloring on a black background. The black-and-yellow argiope�s legs are black, with red or yellow bands. Like other orbweavers, each leg has 3 claws per foot, one more than most spiders. Orbweavers use this third claw to help handle the threads while spinning. Predicated upon climate, these spiders may live a little over a year from their hatching in the fall until the first hard frost the following year. In warmer temperatures, the female may live for several years but males usually die after mating in their first year. These spiders prefer sunny places with little or no wind to build their webs. Once they find suitable sites, they will stay there unless the web is frequently disturbed, or they can't catch enough food. Black-and-yellow argiope spiders often construct and repair their webs after dark. Their orb webs can be up to 2 feet in diameter and are very complex.

Habitat:

Wildlife habitat yard.