Black and Yellow Argiope

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Argiope aurantia: //ˌɑːrˈdʒaɪəpi ɔːˈræntiə//

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Summary

Argiope aurantia, commonly known as the black and yellow garden spider or writing spider, is a large orb-weaving spider distinguished by its unique black and yellow coloration. It builds distinctive zigzag webs and plays a significant role in controlling insect populations in its ecosystem.

Physical Characteristics

Females range from 19–28 mm in body length; males range from 5–9 mm. They have distinctive yellow and black markings on the abdomen and a mostly white cephalothorax.

Identification Tips

Look for the characteristic zigzag pattern of silk (stabilimentum) in their webs and their striking yellow and black coloring.

Habitat

Found in gardens, old fields, open sunny areas, and along the eaves of houses. They often conceal themselves in tall vegetation and are fixed in one location throughout much of their lives.

Distribution

Found throughout most of temperate North America, including southern Canada, the contiguous United States, Hawaii, Mexico, and Central America.

Diet

Carnivorous, preying on small vertebrates and insects. Prey is ensnared in their webs and immobilized with venom.

Life Cycle

Life begins with an egg case producing masses of spiderlings. Juvenile spiders camouflage themselves in the web's stabilimentum.

Reproduction

Breeds twice a year. Males court females and transfer sperm before dying, often being consumed by the female. Eggs are laid in silk sheets, forming egg sacs that contain over a thousand eggs.

Predators

Predators include birds, wasps, and other insects.

Ecosystem Role

As a predator, plays a role in controlling insect populations.

Health Concerns

Their bite is not dangerous to healthy adults, similar in effect to a bee sting; caution is advised for vulnerable populations such as the elderly or immunocompromised.

Collecting Methods

• Visual identification in gardens or habitats where they commonly reside.
• Use of sweep nets to capture specimens when observed in webs.

Preservation Methods

• Alcohol preservation for specimen collection.
• Pinning for dry preservation.

Similar Taxa

• Argiope aurantia is part of the genus Argiope, which includes other orb-weaving spiders.

Misconceptions

Despite their bright colors, they are not venomous to humans and are unlikely to bite unless provoked.

Tags

• spider
• Arachnida
• Argiope aurantia
• orb-weaving spider
• garden spider
• North America