This is Argiope trifasciata, a Banded Garden Spider. She is a spider that makes the classic orb web. Almost all spiders have venom, but very few species have venom that is medically significant to humans. Only about five species in the USA are potentially dangerous. This isn’t one of them. Her venom is for insects. They rarely bite and aren’t aggressive toward humans except when they are being injured by pressure from our skin. So, kids should learn to never hold a spider between their fingers or in a closed hand. Spiders are pressure-sensitive and many bites to people are… Read more »
Please help us identify this spider! Spotted in rural West Texas; on top of the gravel/rocks in our carport area. Is this spider venomous? Thanks!
This is Argiope trifasciata, a Banded Garden Spider. She is a spider that makes the classic orb web. Almost all spiders have venom, but very few species have venom that is medically significant to humans. Only about five species in the USA are potentially dangerous. This isn’t one of them. Her venom is for insects. They rarely bite and aren’t aggressive toward humans except when they are being injured by pressure from our skin. So, kids should learn to never hold a spider between their fingers or in a closed hand. Spiders are pressure-sensitive and many bites to people are… Read more »