CLOSED: CLOSED: anyone recognize this spider - is he poisonous?

Watch Reply

Mark unread Print Skip to new

needingweeding Lake Placid, FL(Zone 9b) Aug 09, 2008

This guy's body is about 2 in. long. He is on a Jatropha. I,m in zone 9, and thats about all I know.

Post #5390923

Quote

suunto Sinks Grove, WV Aug 09, 2008

This gal (males are much smaller) is Argiope aurantia, a common orb weaver that goes by many different common names. As with the vast majority of spiders, it subdues its prey with venom, but the weakness of its venom, along with the small size of its fangs, makes it harmless to humans. See http://www.floridanature.org/species.asp?species=argiope_aurantia for much more information.

Post #5390948

Quote

evie_beevie Essex Junction, VT(Zone 4a) Aug 09, 2008

That's a beautie! As far as I know, all spiders are poisonous, but not enough to do us real harm, except for 2: Black Widow and Brown Recluse. And this is neither. So hopefully that answers at least one of your questions.

Post #5390949

Quote

needingweeding Lake Placid, FL(Zone 9b) Aug 09, 2008

Thank you so much! I' m new to DG and can't believe the people here are so knowledgeable
and willing to share so much info ( so quickly, too! ) You're both hired!!! Now I can go back
to my new garden without wearing my armour. Thanks, Thanks, Thanks.