Banded Garden Spider

Description:

This is another of the more common spiders you can find. They are fairly large but not quite as large as the Yellow Garden Spider with the female measuring about 20 mm. The pattern consists of silver bands separated by dark brown lines. There are two longitudinal patches of yellow on the back that give it a quite attractive appearance. The legs are light brown or gray with black bands. The diminutive male can be seen in the top right corner of Photo #2.

Habitat:

This spider was found in brush along the edge of a small pond in SE Texas (90 masl).

Notes:

A pleasant surprise to find (unless you walk into their web) when hiking or exploring. They are easily confused with the Banded Garden Spider (Argiope aurantia) https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/19...