Spiderzrule

Here's some photos of Argiopes, mainly from the United States. In Australia, we call our variety St. Andrew's Cross but in the United States they are more commonly called a Black and Yellow Argiope. (Argiope aurantia). We have had so many queries and photos sent in of these from people who have never seen them in their area. It's quite incredible!! They are also known as Golden Garden Spiders or just Garden Spider and their scientific name is Argiope aurantia. The spiders below are a close relation called Banded Argiopes and Argiope bruennichi, which is also found in Europe and the United Kingdom. Please choose a section.

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Unidentified Spiders 2011	Unidentified Spiders 2010
Unidentified Spiders 2009 (1)	Unidentified Spiders 2009 (2)	Unidentified Spiders 2008 (1)
Unidentified Spiders 2008 (2)	Unidentified Spiders 2007 (1)	Unidentified Spiders 2007 (2)
Unidentified Spiders 2007 (3)	Unidentified Spiders 2006 (1)	Unidentified Spiders 2006 (2)
Unidentified Spiders 2006 (3)	Unidentified Spiders 2005 (2)	Unidentified Spiders 2005 (3)
Unidentified Spiders 2005 (1)	Unidentified Spiders 2004 (1)	Unidentified Spiders 2004 (2)
Unidentified Spiders 2003	Unidentified Spiders 2002	Unidentified Spiders 2001
Spiders in Amber	Closeups	Ant Mimicking Spiders
Argiopes/St. Andrew's Cross	Barn Funnel Weaving Spider	Basilica Spiders
Bird Dropping Spiders	Black House Spiders	Bolas Spiders
Brown Recluse Spiders	Candy Stripe Spiders	Common House Spider
Crab Spiders	Cyclosa Conica	Daddy Long Legs
Daring Jumping Spiders	Fishing Spiders	Funnel Web (Aus)
Furrow Spider	Garden Orb Weavers	Giant House Spider
Golden Orb Weavers	Grass spiders/Funnel Weavers	Ground Spiders
Hacklemesh Weavers	Hobo Spiders	Huntsman Spiders
Jewelled Spiders	Jumping Spiders	Ladybird Spiders
Leaf Curling Spiders	Long Jawed Orb Weavers	Lynx Spiders
Marbled Orb Weavers	Micarathena	Mouse Spiders
Mygalomorphs	Net casting Spider	Nursery Web Spiders
Parson Spiders	Pirate Spiders	Pseudoscorpion
Purseweb Spider	Redback Spiders	Red Spotted Ant Mimic Spiders
Running Crab Spiders	Scorpion Spiders	Solfugids/Camel Spiders
Southern House Spiders	Spider Tats	Spitting Spiders
Steatoda	Tailless Whip Scorpions	Tarantulas
Trapdoor Spiders	Venusta Orchard Spiders	Wandering Spiders
White Tailed Spiders	Widow Spiders	Wolf Spiders
Woodlouse Hunters	Yellow & Broad faced Sac Spiders

Argiope Lobata	St Andrews Cross	Black & Yellow Argiopes
Banded Argiopes	Gea Hepatgon/Argiope Appensa	Silver Argiopes

BANDED ARGIOPES (3)

The largest and most striking of the orb weaving spiders is the banded Argiope spider (Argiope trifasciata). It is found in late summer and early fall among shrubbery and in gardens where they make a highly symmetrical orb web. Females are generally silvery, with dark and yellow striping. Males are rarely observed and are much smaller than the females. The banded garden spider is harmless. Click here for Page 1. Click here for Page 2.
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7 May, 2012: I have been interested in spiders and other bugs for some time now. I did have an incounter quite some time ago with one. It made me scared of them for a while, but always wanted to know more. I am a professional photographer for weddings and senior portraits, but my days off in the summer consists of me walking through my garden and photographing bugs. I carry my camera with me outdoors all the time. I have sent you some pictures of spiders. Some I know what they are and some I'm still confused of. Sorry there is so many. I have had these for 2 years and wanted to do an educated site but found myself coming to your site to identify them. So I will just send them to you and let you have the fun. Click for a larger view
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25 October, 2011: Not sure what this kind is
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16 October, 2011: This is the under surface of the spider. I have never seen a spider like this one. Grand Island, NY is near Buffalo and the spider appeared from out of nowhere! Are you able to identify this one? Your website gives me lots of choices, but I don’t know enough about spiders to narrow it down. Thank you. Nancy C.

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16 October, 2011: Hi, After walking around in the mountains of Wyoming, U.S.A., I found this guy setting on my shoulder. Can you please identify him for me? thank you so much for your time and efforts. Best regards Dennis
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16 October, 2011: can you tell me what kind of a spider this is. body about the size of a quarter. I live in southern california
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9 October, 2011: Can you please identify this spider for me?
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9 October, 2011: Hello, I came across your website today in search of finding out what kind of spider below is. Hoping you might know. I live near Denver and the spider looks to be about 2 inches from leg to leg. Looking forward to hearing from you soon. Debra W.
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9 October, 2011: Hi Glen, I wanted to thank you as some websites listed this exact spider as a silver ariope (if I spelled that right) But I noticed many of the pics show a slightly different spider with a more bumpy orange rear. Then you site shows that this spider is a banded Ariope, not silver (although its got more silver on it then the silver) This spider is motionless on the wall , it is cool out.( cactus is nearby as I heard they like it) . Must be female as its large about 1 and a half inches. Never seen one (I'm in Thousand Oaks Ca.) But its awesome as the back looks like someone sprayed silver metallic paint on it. Senchal
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9 October, 2011: Hi Glen, I was browsing your website in an effort to identify a spider I found in my backyard. I am having trouble pin-pointing what type of spider this is exactly and hoping you could offer your expertise. Thank you, Jessica
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6 October, 2011: Hi again Glen, Sorry for the quality of the pictures, I took some more and this time a picture of the back side which is totally different but very cool. I'm not one for liking spiders and this one I didn't kill and even touched it! Thanks again Glen.
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5 October, 2011: Hi Glen Hope you are doing well. Getting ready to face the winter? .... Do you get any real winters in Australia? Does it snow there? Guess Im flunking this test huh? lol Well I got another interesting one here. lol I almost want to say it is the Argiope, but the pattern doesnt look like the ones I have seen pics of. Where the Black and Yellow Argiope has that specific pattern on every one I see, this one has more of a thin crossways striped pattern. Plus this spider does not have that thick zigzag stitch in the middle of the web. Yet I know I have seen pics of the same spider before. Could have been on your site, but I couldn't find it when I looked. Could you please tell me what you think? Ken
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Reply: It looks like a banded argiope- glen 28 September, 2011: Unknow spider found in AZ
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Reply: It looks like a banded argiope- glen 17 September, 2011: Hello, Can you i.d. this one ? It was found yesterday in a flower garden in Fallbrook CA ( North San Diego County ). Cool web site ( get it ? ). Thanks and Best Regards, Kerry

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Reply: It looks like a banded argiope- glen 6 September, 2011: Hi. Found this in my back yard today (Midwest USA state of Nebraska). Web was a big flat affair between two hosta plants (as opposed to a tunnel). This photo was taken from laying on the ground. It measured about 3 inches from front leg tip to rear leg tip. From other images I searched, I think this looks like a writing spider (Argiope auriantia). However, all the pictures I’ve seen of those have a very light color to the first section of leg, and the colored strips are not so thin/even.
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Reply: It's a banded argiope- glen 6 September, 2011: I found this in my front yard while cutting the grass.
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Reply: It's a banded argiope- glen 6 September, 2011: Hi, After walking around in the mountains of Wyoming, U.S.A., I found this guy setting on my shoulder. Can you please identify him for me? thank you so much for your time and efforts. Best regards Dennis
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Reply: It's a banded argiope- glen 7 August, 2011: Hello Glen, Found this one in my garden, next to the house. Sitting in middle of his/her web. Hope you can identifie it for me. Thanks, Szabi Click for a larger view
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Reply: It's a banded argiope- glen 31 January, 2011: Hello! I,m an amateur photographer and the owner of blog http://pk-photography.blogspot.com , where I post my pictures with brief description. Here are some pictures of spiders. Any help in identification will be highly appreciated. The pictures are taken in Pakistan. Regards Muhammad Click for a larger view
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Reply: The closest I can come up with is a banded argiope even though the bands aren't very clear - glen. 13 January, 2011: Thank you very much for this ID. Very helpful. Attached is yet another photo or two. I have never seen a silver spider before!! It spun an egg case in the container, during the 2 days I kept it before accessing a good camera. I’m hoping you might be able to ID this one as well. Many thanks, Ann Click for a larger view

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7 December, 2010: this was at las gallinas sewer plant 'wildlife ponds'. san rafael ca, 2 december 2010 the body was about an inch long

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12 November, 2010: thought I'd share these shots of our beautiful orb weaver!

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16 November, 2010: We saw a spider on sunday in Allen, TX, USA and wondered if anybody could help us identify it. It's body was about 1 inch long, with legs about 3+ inches long. White to pearl to almost mother of pearl coloring around the head. It was on the side of a building. Thanks for any info. -Scott Click for a larger view
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16 November, 2010: just wanted to send you a picture of this cool spider, which i believe to be a banded argiope Click for a larger view
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31 October, 2010: Hi Glen, I found this out in our pasture in northern CA. Our land is dry, upland grazing, and this guy was found walking along a cow path with no cover or web anywhere to be found. His body is about the size of a quarter. Do you know what it is? Cathy Click for a larger view
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31 October, 2010: My 4yr old found this spider on our playground today and I have NEVER seen anything like it. It was almost 2 inches long and half inch wide with a very enlarged abdomen. The picture I sent may not give a lot of detail so if you want or need more info please let me know. I am very interested in your opinion. THANKS, Rachael, Columbus, Ohio Click for a larger view
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12 October, 2010: My daughter found this guy on the sidewalk outside our apartment today. I think he is a banded garden spider??? He seemed a little confused. He would try to climb up the concrete stairs and fall over on his back, squirm around for a while till he righted himself again and then try again. I finally got him to climb onto a stick and we moved him to a safe place. Anyway, I thought you might be interested in the photos. Feel free to use them on your site if you'd like. Once again Donna

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12 October, 2010: Hi Glen— I see that I forgot to attach the pic of the argiope. Duh. Here it is, if you’d like to post it. Thanks again— Andrea

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10 October, 2010: Click for a larger view
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26 September, 2010: Hello! I found your website and was wondering if you could ID this spider. We live in southeastern Montana. My husband caught this spider in a net while sweeping the tall grass for grasshoppers. The country is fairly dry with tall grasses, sagebrush and small prickly pear cactus. It's legs (which you can't see very well in the picture) were striped brown and yellow. The spider was about the size of a nickel. Any ideas? Thanks, Cathy Click for a larger view
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24 September, 2010: Hello, Can you tell me anything about this spider, i.e is he/she a friend or foe? Thanks, Kelley Click for a closeup

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10 September, 2010: Just wondering what kind of spider this is. In Ohio near Cleveland. Thanks Bill Click for a closeup

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1 August, 2010: Hi Glen, Love your web site! I have been watching an Argiope aurantia in my yard and was very surprised with what was in its web yesterday. Because I did not find anything on the internet about North American spiders eating lizards, I thought someone like you and friends may be interested to know that I saw this here in Tampa. Unpleasant, I know, but maybe intriguing to someone who examines such things. The attached pictures are nothing compared to those on your site but I think you can see what it is. Charon, Tampa, FL

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31 July, 2010: I believe this to be a male argiope trifasciata. I live in central texas. I cannot confirm though as I can't seem to find any pictures of male banded garden spiders as they are rarely seen. this photo was taken in early june, found right outside of my door. he was there for about 3 days and left.. I'm hoping someone can confirm or give me more information. Thanks! Click for a larger view
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19 July, 2010: Hi My name is Christine I was woundering if you could help me identify this spider I have looked all over the internet its just not giving me what Im looking for Thank You Click for a larger view
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2 November, 2009: What is this thing? We are in Rochester, NY. I have never seen anything like this. Are they common to this area? Are they harmful or dangerous? __ Daniel Click for a larger view
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23 October, 2009: found him on a work site in Virginia, looks kind of like a silver skull up close probably the male version of the one on your web site. Neil Looks cool though Click for a larger view
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16 October, 2009: Glen, Met this lady this morning, cycling into work. Web is strung between two medium sunflower stems. I couldn't sleep for wanting to discover her identity, and your site was just what I needed. Thanks for all of the great info and pics, and especially, for helping me identify her (i.e. allowing me to rest easy tonight). All the Best, -- John Click for a larger view

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16 October, 2009: Hi, I found your website on the internet and it looks like people send you pics of their spiders all of the time...Well, I found one outside my apple tree today and I have never seen one like this before. We live in Portland, Oregon and are use to fairly large spiders, indoor and outdoor, but this one really struck me b/c I have never seen one black/yellow before. Could you help me identify? Thanks, Joel

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16 October, 2009: Found your web site can you tell me what kind of spider this is. I live in southern Utah and it is hanging on my house today. Thanks, Laurie Click for a larger view
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12 September, 2009: Hi Glen – One of my co-workers found this large spider at his home in Vancouver, Washington. Some of us think it’s a Banded Argiope, but others aren’t convinced. What’s your opinion? Thanks in advance for your help! Kim

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25 October, 2008: My husband found this approx. one inch spider (body- with legs maybe 2-1/2-3") on the back of our house. No web, just hanging by her threads. I think she may be some kind of yellow garden spider but haven't been able to find a picture on the web. I can't find any info on how long they live and if she can survive a mid Michigan winter. If she can I would bring her to the woods behind our house and let her find a spot to hibernate there. I've attached photos. Can you give me some advice? Thanks, Kit

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25 October, 2008: Very impressive web site! Question about the argiopes- do they lay differently colored egg sacs to match their surroundings or does each species wrap their eggs in a specific color? I have about a dozen female silver argiopes in the greenest parts of the garden who have created varying shades of greens and yellows for their eggs. The one banded argiope who has set herself up in a more desert-like part of the yard has created a cream and black sac which completely matches her surroundings. Rebecca Imperial Beach, CA Click for a larger view

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25 October, 2008: Hello I found this Spider in Chicago IL, What kind of spider is this? I never seen this before, I caught it and have it in a large glass jar! thanks sheila Click for a larger view
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16 October, 2008: from Doug , Kelowna, B.C. Click for a larger view

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29 September, 2008: hi Glen, Your site is cool. Do you think this is the common yellow garden spider. It looks different than the others. Clay in Japan
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7 September, 2008: Hi Glen, We finally got a picture of the top of the spider and possibly her mate.
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5 June, 2008: thanks glen,, i am sorry to ask again but my fascination makes me have to ask.. I found this guy on the screen of my pool house..
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5 June, 2008: I live in Iowa and have gotten into the habit of taking pictures of interesting looking spiders with the hopes of being able to identify them at some point. I am sending you two of these pictures. Can you tell me what they are? The second spider (black and silver) was a smaller spider that I saw on the door to my house in south-eastern Iowa. I am more than willing to share these photos with anyone who would like to use them. Thank you for any information you are able to provide me. Jodi
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14 March, 2008: Hi Glen, I was camping at Remus, Michigan and I came across this spider chilling on my tent. Could you help me identify it, please? Thanks. Kelly
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16 January, 2008: Hello again Glen, I posted a story and a few pictures of a banded argiope I found in my front yard in early December. Well I just found another one today and was able to get a good close up picture. Could you please add it to my picture from then or just add another story about this beautiful spider. Thanks, Brian
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2 December, 2007: While working in my yard last week, I came across this rather large spider which I had never seen before. Thanks to your wonderful site I was able to identify it after looking at several other websites to no avail. I get numerous other spiders but the markings on this were very unique. Also I marvelled at how this spider wrapped his prey once it was caugt in his web. Since last week all his catches have apparently have been eaten, when I checked his web earlier today it was empty. I live on the central coast of California. Thanks, Brian

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22 November, 2007: I found this spider and I was hunting your site he has a butt like a bee and that's what I thought he was but he 8 really long legs, can you help me? I have a picture attached. I'm in Ohio Click for a larger view.
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22 November, 2007: Spiderzrule Owner, A friend referred me to your web site for an answer. We captured this spider several months ago, built a habitat for it and fed it often because we enjoyed his company. To our dismay he died this past week so I took him to my shop to scan his body for identification by an expert. The silver on his top side is so beautiful we are very curious if you have a name for this type of spider or where you can guide us to find out. Thank you in advance for whatever help you can provide. Mark. Click for a larger view.

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13 October, 2007: Please use or share as you feel fit, thanks ellen Click for a larger view.
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13 October, 2007: This is in my flower garden! I live in monroe michigan and to me the thing is huge and nasty!!! Can you help me please! Is it dangerous? Click for a larger view.

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30 September, 2007: Hi! This bad boy was in my back yard. He/she really stood out to me because the majority of our spiders are grass spiders and there are normally funnel webs everywhere, but this one made a 4 foot web from the fence to the ground! I couldn't even finish mowing my yard because I was so fascinated. I also fed him the moth in the picture just so I could watch him wrap it up! Hope everyone enjoys. Click for a larger view.
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6 September, 2007: Hi I live in Regina Sask. Canada and I was woundering if you could tell me what type of spider this is, never seen one like it before. it found home ni your tree bye the front door. Thanks in advanced, Cory ps It is large in size about 2inches or bigger

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3 September, 2007: Hi, I live in La Sal Utah, about 30 miles south of Moab Utah if you know where that is. We live out in the country. It is mostly desert out here. My parents found this spider yesterday and we are wondering what it is and if it is poisonous?? It looks like the Yellow/Black Argiope but we are not sure. Its back has a silver color to it. If you could let me know I would be most grateful. I am scared to death of spiders and it has been hard looking at all the pictures let alone having this one in my home in a gallon jar. lol She is kind of cute though. Thanks, Melissa

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30 July, 2007: Can you tell me what kind of spider this is? It’s pretty huge and stays fairly stationary. Has been in the same location for the past couple of days. Robert

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15 July, 2007: Hello! I found your website thanks to Google. I have been trying to identify the spider in the attached pics and wondered if you could help. I live in West Palm Beach, FL and this spider has made a home on my children's swingset. It is quite large and some suspect it is a banana spider, but I don't think so. My main concern is if it is poisonous and dangerous to my young children. Any assistance you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Traci

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13 March, 2007: Hi Glen Thanks for that. I just thought that side looked more colourful!!. Have attached pic of the other side for confirmation please. I assume this is harmless and, I suppose quite common. I've just never seen one like it before. regards Tony

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Click here for Page 2. Click here for Page 3.
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Argiope Bruennichi
Argiope Bruennichi is a spider found across most of Europe and the south of England. They are very abundant in Ibiza and the South of France. Because of its markings this spider is also known as the 'wasp-spider'. This spider builds a vertical orb web with vertical zig-zag band of silk (stabilimentum) and catches insects such as grasshoppers. This spider displays special behaviour for certain insect prey. For example, the bombadier beetle, a beetle that squirts hot gas from the tip of its abdomen could be damaging for a spider to catch. Argiope bruennichi however has a cunning strategy to overcome this problem, when a bombadier beetle lands in the spider's web, the spider will quickly approach the beetle wrap it in silk and leave it to expend all its chemical deterrent, when the it has done this the spider will then kill and eat the beetle safely. The male of the species is much smaller and can often be seen in or near a female's web waiting for her to complete her final moult. After her final moult the female becomes sexually mature and her chelicerae (jaws) will be soft for a short time. During this short time the male can mate with the female without fear of being eaten. This spider reaches its biggest during August when the females are full of eggs. They are harmless, though in the very unlikely event of a bite the effects are likely to be mild swelling and itching at the site of the bite. (Info: Nick's spiders of Europe)
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6 October, 2008: Hey Glen, There was an add of your website in the newspaper here today, so I decided to take a look at this amazing spider webpage. While I was looking around at your site I was amazed by all the beautiful pictures of some really cool spiders, however I still am missing my favourite one, the Argiope bruennichi, also known as wasp spider. So I included this photo I took on my vacation in Croatia. It's not the best quality, but it's a nice picture anyway. I hope you like it ! With kind regards, Nick, Holland
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1 October, 2005: lease tell me what spider this is found in uk. thanks

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15 August, 2005: I live in France in the La Creuse region, and saw this brightly coloured spider. I haven't seen any like this in the time I've been here. hope you can help. many thanks jimmy Click for a larger view.

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