Black and Yellow Garden Spider - (Argiope aurantia)

Adult Size (Length): 5mm to 28mm (0.20in to 1.10in) 
Identifying Colors: black, yellow, red, silver, orange, brown
General Description: up-side-down, bands, stripes, venomous, helpful

 Black and Yellow Garden Spiders are from the Argiope genus found throughout the United States of America and Canada. This species is not quite as common in the Rocky Mountain areas as they area everywhere else. The spider is easily identifiable by the distinctive yellow and black coloring found on the abdomen. The legs are equally noticeable by the alternating bands of orange and black on the legs, though this pattern may vary from spider to spider.

Females measure in larger than the males, almost four times bigger in fact. Besides being smaller, males do not promote their colors as such, and might appear a shade or two paler compared to the rich, bold colors on the female.

Webs produced by the Yellow Garden Spider are about knee-high off the ground in sunny, still areas of a garden. They are also distinct as some have a zig-zag type strand pattern called the stabilimentum running down the middle of their webs, believed to be produced by a nearby male. Additionally, their webs are built as a spiral that builds out from the center; a classic feature of all Orbweaver spiders. These spiders sit on the web up-side-down with their heads closer to the ground. Their long, lean legs make them appear substantially large and intimidating to humans. If disturbed or threatened, this spider will immediately drop to the ground.

Black-and-Yellow Garden Spiders are also called the Common Garden Spiders or Yellow Garden Spiders in various publications. Whichever name used, spotting one of these spiders is quite a treat as their unique shape and striking colors add a bit of natural "punch" to your garden. They are commonly found throughout garden areas, parks and woodlands.

Adults are most visible during summertime. Females lay eggs in a papery brown sac which is attached to one side of her web and then dies. The eggs hatch in the fall, but the spiderlings stay in the egg sac over winter, finally leaving in the spring.