Banded Argiope

Argiope trifasciata

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Chelicerata
Class: Arachnida
Order: Araneae
Infraorder: Araneomorphae
Family: Araneidae
Genus: Argiope
Species: trifasciata

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Argiope trifasciata: /ɑrˈɡiːoʊpeɪ ˌtraɪfæsˈkjaɪtə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Argiope July 2012-3 by Alvesgaspar. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Argiope trifasciata P1300004b by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Spider Web and Cocoon Making by Maria Louisa Pike. Used under a Public domain license.

Argiope trifasciata kauaiensis by Ken-ichi Ueda. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Banded Argiope (Argiope trifasciata) - female by WanderingMogwai. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Argiope trifasciata (Araneidae) I 01 by Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Argiope trifasciata, also known as the Banded Garden Orbweaver, is a spider species found throughout the Americas and introduced to various regions worldwide. It is recognizable by its distinctive web patterns and coloration.

Physical Characteristics

Body length 15-25 mm (female), 4-6 mm (male); pale yellow with silver-haired carapace; abdomen striped in silver, yellow, and black; legs are spotted.

Identification Tips

The abdomen is more rounded and tapered rearward compared to Argiope aurantia, lacking notches and humps. The sternum may have yellow lobes or dots surrounding the central yellow stripe, though these are not always present.

Habitat

Open areas, old fields, and locations with tall grass; prefers drier habitats compared to similar species.

Distribution

Throughout the United States and southern Canada; also found in North, Central, and South America; introduced to Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, Canary Islands, Madeira, Iran, China, Japan, Australia (Tasmania), and the Pacific Islands.

Diet

Primarily feeds on insects, including large prey like paper wasps, which are wrapped in silk to immobilize them before being injected with toxic saliva.

Life Cycle

Hatches in early summer; notable sizes and web building occur by mid-August.

Reproduction

Egg sacs can contain more than 1000 eggs; shaped like a cup or kettledrum; about 18 mm in diameter.

Ecosystem Role

Play a role in controlling insect populations; known for their unique web designs which can influence prey capture.

Evolution

Includes subspecies such as Argiope trifasciata deserticola (Sudan) and Argiope trifasciata kauaiensis (Hawaii).

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

The purpose of web silk decorations is uncertain; hypotheses include making the spider appear larger or as warning signals.