Hi everyone! We live in Maryland and this spider decided to take up residence above our front door. Apparently she was pregnant because she's much smaller now and there's an egg sack beside her. Does anyone know what type it is and whether we should just leave them to hatch? It's a little creepy walking under them to get inside lol. Thank you
Argiope aurantia; a harmless orb weaver - http://www.spiders.us/species/argiope-aurantia/
If you approach it slowly and carefully, you might be able to stroke the back of its abdomen with your fingertip - it will feel like very soft velvet, but the spider may react by shaking its web vigorously in an apparent attempt to frighten you away...
Thank you so much! I'll pass on the touching though:-) Any idea why it's white instead of yellow?
Like humans, spiders can show quite a bit of individual variation in overall color as well as markings...
Thanks so much for your response 😊 We will enjoy seeing the miracle of birth now that we know they won't attack us haha.
