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Comments & ID Thoughts
An Argiope aurantia specimen, known by a myriad of common names, but 'round here we know them as writing spiders! These guys have always infatuated me; their size and colors are striking, and I feel like when you look at them, one would expect danger, but they're such docile, harmless creatures to humans. Their webs are masterpieces to me.
I am unsure if what is at its mouth is an eggsac (which is what I'm assuming, just with what knowledge I have) or an extremely well-wrapped prey item.
For further context, this specimen built its web beside our summer pool, I think against the pumping system.
My apologies if black-and-white photos are not allowed! Please remove if necessary, I no longer have the raw file.
- Submitted by:
- Submitted: May 31, 2024
- Photographed: Jul 28, 2013
- Spider: Argiope aurantia (Black and Yellow Garden Spider)
- Location: Nashville, North Carolina, United States
- Spotted Outdoors: Man-made structure (building wall, fences, etc.)
- Found in web?: Yes
- Attributes:
Sep 16, 2025
Sep 16, 2025
Big Sandy, 
Yes this is Argiope aurantia. B&W photos aren’t preferred, but the markings are distinct. I won’t file it, it will remain “unidentified” to avoid having it in the reference photos. It will stay in the North Carolina photos. I think she is holding wrapped prey. You took the photo in July, egg sacs are usually made in autumn. The egg sac may look like a tuft fiberglass insulation, probably light yellow. I don’t think we have any egg sac photos for this species. This species might have evolved to look like a bee or hornet. I’ve only seen one (South… Read more »
Thank you so much for the info! I will refrain from B&W photos in the future. (: Ha ha I would love to hold one of these guys someday, but I’ve never managed to talk myself into it quite yet; I suppose it’s the remnants of mostly healed arachnophobia.
In northern California, my mother used to call then golden garden spiders. She had a strong case of arachnophobia, but liked watching them outside on the widows.
When I was younger and had some mild arachnophobia, I was always so excited to see these guys! I could watch them for hours, and I was always so impressed by how unfazed they would act by my presence.
I don’t think they can see us, I suspect most spiders can’t. In my experience they react to shifting shadows from our movement and might be able to see our fingers. My husband is doing great in rcovering from arachnophobia. He decided to face it so he can understand my interest in spiders. My mom is recovering too. She recently emailed me a close-up photo she took of a Jumping Spider’s face. My best friend jokingly curses me every time he finds himself watching insect or spider documentaries on YouTube. He’s currently fascinated by how ladybug larvae look. i think… Read more »