Description

• Argiope aurantia, commonly known as the yellow garden spider or black-and-yellow garden spider, is a large orb-weaver in the family Araneidae. Females have a distinctive black abdomen marked with bright yellow patches and bands, while the legs are typically black with yellow or orange markings. Males are considerably smaller and less conspicuously coloured. Its circular web often features a conspicuous zigzag band of white silk called a stabilimentum. The spider is not considered dangerous to humans, although it may bite if handled.

Range

• Argiope aurantia occurs widely across North America and is also recorded in parts of Central America. It is present in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico, where it may be encountered in suitable vegetated habitats.

Habitat

• This species commonly inhabits gardens, meadows, grasslands, woodland edges and open areas with abundant vegetation. It builds large orb-shaped webs between tall grasses, shrubs and other sturdy plants, often in sunny locations where flying insects are plentiful. The spider typically rests near the centre of its web.

Diet

• Argiope aurantia is a carnivorous spider that feeds mainly on flying insects, including flies, grasshoppers, moths and bees. It detects vibrations in its web when prey becomes trapped, then approaches, immobilises and wraps the prey in silk before feeding.