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Argiope
spp.
Characteristics –
Size: This is a large spider with a body up to one inch
long or larger and a leg span of up to three inches.
Color: The garden spider’s color varies, but the most
common species is black and yellow.
Behavior – Garden spiders spin very large,
flat, orb-shaped webs across open spaces between tree and shrub
branches. The webs will be located along natural flight paths for
flying insects. This spider sits in the center of the web, head
facing downward, waiting for an unwary insect to fly into its web.
The spider then hurries to the insect, bites it to subdue it, wraps
it tightly in silk, and carries it like a prize to a more protected
area of the web to feed on it later. The garden spider begins
repairing the web immediately to prepare for its next flying
prey.
Habitat – Garden spiders usually live in fields
and forests, but occasionally will be found next to homes or in
yards.
Tips for Control – These spiders are beneficial
animals and are not dangerous, despite their large size. Garden
spiders should not be killed, but should be relocated to another
part of the yard where they will be out of the way of human traffic.
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