Golden orb weaver

Description:

Giant spider with almost 6 inches dia including the legs. Weaves a very strong golden colored web almost as strong as Kevlar. For so fearsome looking a spider, does not usually bite even if accidentally comes into contact with humans, even though the bite could be very painful and blisters may form for a few days. Not fatal for humans. The web was around 1 meter dia with lines extending to more than 3 meters.

Habitat:

Came across this one about 3 meters above ground on a clearing in the thick forest of the reserve forest of Athirappally falls area, near Trichur, Kerala.