This spider has a slightly red body, mostly white, and it has white, black, orange, and yellow striped legs; it makes giant webs right outside the house. This spider and the orb weaver seem to be common outside my house. I've tried searching for results and nothing has turned up so maybe someone here can help me identify this spider. Thanks!
Correction: I meant this spider and the spinybacked orb weaver to be more specific
This appears to be Nephila clavipes, a golden silk orb weaver (family Nephilidae). They are very widespread in warmer regions, and go by a variety of common names - see http://tinyurl.com/3c43ww for detailed information. They formerly were placed in the family Tetragnathidae, and will find many references still including them in that family. They are harmless to humans.
