Could anyone identify this yellow and black spider?

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larsagi CHESTER, United Kingdom May 25, 2010

I have been finding literally thousands of these on my washing line. I am not a major fan of spiders and know little about them. But as they keep appearing on my washing I was hoping to find out a little about them. Such as, ''Are they harmless'' or should I be careful with them? I have two toddlers, and a newborn due shortly so was a little worried about them getting onto the kids!

Any info would be much appreciated! :)

[IMG]http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx173/rdsonline/PICT2064.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i753.photobucket.com/albums/xx173/rdsonline/PICT2063.jpg[/IMG]

Thumbnail by larsagi
Post #7825406
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suunto Sinks Grove, WV May 25, 2010

These are newly hatched spiderlings of an orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae), possibly the common yellow and black garden spider (Argiope aurantia) - see http://tinyurl.com/2eqrws7 for an example. All orb weavers are harmless to humans, and chances are that some 99.9% of these spiderlings will not survive to adulthood.

Post #7825498
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kniphofia Cramlington, United Kingdom(Zone 8a) May 25, 2010

Yes certainly argiope spiderlings. I think they are wonderful! I had hundreds of these in my Maine garden (and even had an adult inside my shirt once!) and they are harmless, particularly if you leave them alone.

See photo here.

http://davesgarden.com/guides/bf/showimage/1762/

Post #7826145
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kniphofia Cramlington, United Kingdom(Zone 8a) May 25, 2010

There must have been some spider egg cases attached to your laundry line which is no doubt why the spiderlings are appearing there.

Sue

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