This guy is pretty big - his abdomen is about the size of a filbert nut. It was night time, so the markings were difficult to see. (Plus I am spider phobic - every hair on my body was straight up!)
It's body is a deep brown - the web is about 4 feet across. It is located right outside our front door, so I turn on the outside light for awhile to attract a meal or two for it.
Anyone know what it is? Just an ordinary spider?
Julie
cool pic
Hi J,
I get a spider on the east side garden wall that looks very much like yours.. I can't tell you how many times I have walked through it watering out there, (heeeeeiejeeebies) it gave me a start a few times, then I reminded myself that it is a friendly one..ROFL WHEW!!. I believe it is a common kind of garden spider though. I will see if I can find what it is and let ya know more.
I found this pic I took of it.. I was hoping to capture the reflection of the moon which made the web show up pretty well. :-)
~Debnes
Ah HA!
Got more for you here Julie.. Keep feeding this one, he wont hurt ya, He's pretty brave to set up right in front of your door.
It is an orb spider (Araneidae),and there are a lot of different ones that look very similar, and they usually park themselves in webs around gardens, or areas where bugs fly around, (mostly at night).
I found another picture of this one, she pulled her legs up tight and tried to become invisible to me, (haha) i saw her anyway and snapped this pic right before she went under the eve on the side of the house.
Here's a site with a picture like your spider:
http://entomology.unl.edu/images/spiders/spiders2.htm
Let me know if this helps.
~Debnes
Yes - that is him to a tee! He sis curl up when I got too close - exactly like your picture. Thanks so much for the information - I hadn't expected an answer at all. While I now know it is harmless, it still gives me the shivers. They are so important - especially to us gardeners. The porch light stays ON!
Thanks again for your help - I truly appreciate it!
Your very welcome, anytime Julie!
There's something about these creatures that compells me to research. It can often pose a great challenge to me personally. I usually won' t stop 'til I find out what IT is. I used to find myself deep in the reference section of our local library, but now with the internet filling up with all the information I can stay home more to manage the garden, home, etc. Next time you hit a stump, please look me up! I really love to help.
~Debnes
Yes - you can find just about any answer to any question on the net. It makes me wonder what I did before we had the web... Or if I am too spoiled by it now :)
Cool- you guys answered my question, too! I found this one today- not in my garden, but in a neighbor's bush, while I was out walking. She got all curled up when I tried to get close enough for a picture. Luckily for me, she didn't move or I probably would have peed myself.
another shot
So creepy that it's beautiful... kind of.
Ok, wishful thinking :)
Laugh, yeah, beautiful wasn't the first adjective to come to mind, but in a way, sure...
nice pic Hyblaean, ....and lol julie....
