The Argiope genus comprises of spiders belonging to the orb weaver family, known for their large size and striking appearance. According to the records of April 2019, the genus has about 88 species, distributed evenly worldwide.
Size: They may vary in size, ranging between 5mm and 35 mm.
Color: The color and patternsvary from one species to the other. For instance, the Argiope aurantia has yellow and orange stripes with a black abdomen. On the other hand, the Argiope trifasciata has a silvery body with several black lines. The abdomens of most species of his genus have a striking coloration, while their carapace mostly has silvery hairs.
Other Characteristic Features: Most of them have a round or oval-shaped abdomen. The yellow garden spider or Argiope aurantia has three claws on each of their legs.
There are about 400 to 1400 eggs in a sac, which hatch during autumn. The yellow garden spider produces three to four big egg sacs resembling paper bags. The banded garden spider’s (Argiope trifasciata) sac, on the other hand, looks like a kettle drum.
They remain with their mother until maturity, after which they disperse to be on their own.
They have a white, sticky web, appearing in the form of a zig-zag pattern of silk, which reflects UV light. The middle of their big web is located at a height one meter above the ground, preventing larger animals from walking under it.
They would attack when provoked, but their venom is not poisonous to humans. Their bite is similar to a bee sting, leading to symptoms like pain, redness, and swelling.
| Lifespan | Approximately one year |
| Distribution | Throughout Asia, Australia, and Africa |
| Habitat | Shrubby areas, dense vegetation, and gardens |
| Predators | Lizards, larger spiders, and birds |
| Diet | Flying insects like flies, wasps, bees, aphids, and grasshoppers |
Image Credits: magickcanoe.com
The Argiope genus comprises of spiders belonging to the orb weaver family, known for their large size and striking appearance. According to the records of April 2019, the genus has about 88 species, distributed evenly worldwide.
Size: They may vary in size, ranging between 5mm and 35 mm.
Color: The color and patternsvary from one species to the other. For instance, the Argiope aurantia has yellow and orange stripes with a black abdomen. On the other hand, the Argiope trifasciata has a silvery body with several black lines. The abdomens of most species of his genus have a striking coloration, while their carapace mostly has silvery hairs.
Other Characteristic Features: Most of them have a round or oval-shaped abdomen. The yellow garden spider or Argiope aurantia has three claws on each of their legs.
There are about 400 to 1400 eggs in a sac, which hatch during autumn. The yellow garden spider produces three to four big egg sacs resembling paper bags. The banded garden spider’s (Argiope trifasciata) sac, on the other hand, looks like a kettle drum.
They remain with their mother until maturity, after which they disperse to be on their own.
They have a white, sticky web, appearing in the form of a zig-zag pattern of silk, which reflects UV light. The middle of their big web is located at a height one meter above the ground, preventing larger animals from walking under it.
They would attack when provoked, but their venom is not poisonous to humans. Their bite is similar to a bee sting, leading to symptoms like pain, redness, and swelling.
| Lifespan | Approximately one year |
| Distribution | Throughout Asia, Australia, and Africa |
| Habitat | Shrubby areas, dense vegetation, and gardens |
| Predators | Lizards, larger spiders, and birds |
| Diet | Flying insects like flies, wasps, bees, aphids, and grasshoppers |
Image Credits: magickcanoe.com
