CLOSED: Spider identification in Northeast Texas.

chrisrogers Rockwall, TX Jun 29, 2010

Found this long-legged, brightly colored spider hanging from a bush in Rockwall, Texas (about 20 miles east of Dallas). Curious to know what it is, and if it's truly as dangerous as it looks.

Post #7930504

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LadyAshleyR Oakland, MD Jun 29, 2010

Looks like a Black and Yellow Garden Spider =)
Most every spider is venomous to some extent, some are just worse than others.
This species I'd say is average, so no worries.

This message was edited Jun 29, 2010 2:17 PM

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melody Benton, KY(Zone 7a) Jun 29, 2010

LadyAshleyR is right... http://davesgarden.com/guides/bf/go/69/

She's one of the most photographed residents of our BugFiles and can be found virtually everywhere. She can bite, but is pretty much a coward and prefers to run and hide instead of stand and fight. As with all insects, individuals will have a range of effects from her bite. Most folks will experience minor discomfort for a few days similar to a bee sting, but everyone is different. She is not poisonous like a Black Widow or Brown Recluse.

She is reluctant to leave her web and will happily remain there all summer. If you let her be, she'll cause no trouble and reward you by capturing grasshoppers, stinkbugs and Japanese Beetles. She's a sure sign of a healthy garden.
Here's the article I wrote about her several years ago: http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/216/