Species Insects & ArthropodsYellow Garden Spider

Yellow Garden Spider

Argiope aurantia

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Yellow Garden Spider (Argiope aurantia)

The Yellow Garden Spider is one of the most spectacular and familiar orb weavers in North America, with vivid yellow-and-black markings and the characteristic zigzag stabilimentum woven into the center of her large, perfect spiral web. The function of the stabilimentum is debated — it may attract prey, provide camouflage, or warn birds. Large females can reach 1.5 inches and hang head-down in the web hub.

Habitat
Gardens, meadows, field edges, and shrubby areas
Diet
Adults: large flying insects caught in orb webs
How common
Common

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