Black and Yellow Garden Spider – Argiope Aurantia

Starting in the second half of summer, I began noticing some rather large spider webs belonging to some rather large spiders hanging around the property. The webs vary in location, but the majority of what I’ve found is spun in the garage door openings. We also have a nice big female Black and Yellow Garden Spider who regularly feasts on the small Japanese Beetle population we’ve got around here.

A few mornings ago, I took some nice pictures of the two spiders we’ve got living in the garage, which I’ll post later on. Just a few minutes ago, I managed to get some nice shots of the one out near the pool and the garden. I’m not sure, but what I’ll show you below may be some of Laura’s handiwork.

Check this spider out – it very recently began spinning up a Japanese Beetle that must have flown into its web. As I (or Laura) was taking these pictures, I could see the beetle actively attempting to escape. I suppose it’ll wiggle for a while until the spider’s venom works its magic.

Is this spider poisonous? No, not to humans. From what’s I’ve read, if you get up in the spider’s face like a fool, it may bite you. All you’ll likely earn from that is some red swelling. Just don’t act like a fool and you should be fine.