I noticed this spider on the high corner of my house outside in a big web. I was actually shooing away a bee, as I watched the bee fly away it flew right in to the web and this HUGE spider grabbed it, spun it up in a web and I believe ate it. I live in Elmhurst, IL. I would say the spider was about 2 inches big and a huge sack!
It's that time of year again- when many post pictures of intimidating looking but harmless orb weaving spiders.
So that's what that is? Lol I have no clue about spiders and have noticed a huge increase in larger spiders. Found these 2 as well earlier inside the house.
The second set is hard to see details on, but they're unlikely to be dangerous.
I think your trend is just temporary having to do with the weather or something.
The first one looks like an orb weaver and the third one could be a parson spider - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herpyllus_ecclesiasticus
Both are harmless to humans.
