CLOSED: Don't want to kill spider if I don't have to; what type?

BILLCALLEY Corinth, MS Aug 19, 2011

Found this colorful spider in my back yard, and it looks pretty big; about an inch to an inch and a half long. What is it? Is it poisonous or beneficial?

Thanks!

-Bill

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flatpickit Charleston, SC Aug 19, 2011

Argiope aurantia. This beautiful spider has several common names. I use Yellow Garden Spider. Just the fact that it builds an orb shaped web tells you that it is not a dangerous spider (to humans). It is in fact poisonous in that it has poison glands. This is true for the overwhelming majority of all spiders. There are extremely few spiders in North America that are proven to be dangerous to people.

http://davesgarden.com/guides/bf/showimage/1403/

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kwanjin (Zone 7a) Aug 19, 2011

Also, an extremely beneficial spider to keep.

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BILLCALLEY Corinth, MS Aug 19, 2011

Thanks all: I'm glad I didn't kill it (I had the bug spray in my hand, and was seconds away from firing, when I had a (rare) thought; "why don't I take a pic and post it, and actually see if this is something that even needs killing).

Thanks again,

-Bill

PS: Must be a female due to its large size as compared to the much smaller males.

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kwanjin (Zone 7a) Aug 19, 2011

Yes, a female. Here is a cmparison shot.

http://bugguide.net/node/view/2391

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kniphofia Cramlington, United Kingdom(Zone 8a) Aug 21, 2011

These are fabulous spiders, ones I used to love seeing in my garden in Maine. We don't have them in the UK and I miss them.

Glad you didn't kill her, she'll be doing a good job getting rid of bugs for you!

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melody Benton, KY(Zone 7a) Aug 22, 2011

Yes, a very good resident to have in your garden. I wrote this a couple of years ago about her: http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/216/

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JC7573 Palmer, MA(Zone 5a) Aug 31, 2011

had one just like it until hurricaine irene made her disappear. saw egg sac, big white balls. it made a web in a big tetraploid daylily and i checked on it every day. very nice big colorful spider. here is a picture.