writing spider, black and yellow garden spider, or corn spider

Description:

A common spider in the USA, southern Canada, Mexico, and Central America. Possess distinctive yellow and black markings on their abdomens. Females (featured in this spotting) are considerably larger than their male counterparts (up to 28mm) and construct significantly larger webs (up to 60cm in diameter. This spider is harmless to humans.

Habitat:

These spiders build webs in areas where they can be relatively protected from the wind. They can often be found along the eaves of structures, in tall vegetation, virtually anywhere they can securely stretch a web. Females tend to remain in one area throughout their life span. The web in this spotting was spectacular. You can easily see the zigzag pattern of silk woven into the web, known as a stabilimentum. Only spiders that are active during daylight hours construct stabilimenta in their webs. It's true purpose is unknown, though several theories exist suggesting it acts as camouflage/distraction for the spider. Others suggest it may serve as a warning signal to birds of its presence as it can be difficult to see otherwise.