I’m hoping this is Argiope aurantia, the Yellow Garden Spider, as they are not dangerous (and I found her at my son’s school). This is the closest match I can find online… I’m using the zig zag white web as a guide. I need confirmation, as Wikipedia does not seem to think they are found in South Africa.
You have the genus right, it is Argiope lobata. It is also not dangerous. The zigzag web (stabilimentum) is a good way to tell that it is an Argiope species. No, Argiope aurantia isn’t in South Africa. The Wikipedia spider locations cite the World Spider Catalog, which is a reliable source. The WSC doesn’t have the resources to track every place a spider could be, but it is still a good basic source. It is safe for kids to handle the Argiope spiders. The spiders don’t enjoy it but are tolerant. Like most spiders, they won’t bite unless they are… Read more »
I’m hoping this is Argiope aurantia, the Yellow Garden Spider, as they are not dangerous (and I found her at my son’s school). This is the closest match I can find online… I’m using the zig zag white web as a guide. I need confirmation, as Wikipedia does not seem to think they are found in South Africa.
You have the genus right, it is Argiope lobata. It is also not dangerous. The zigzag web (stabilimentum) is a good way to tell that it is an Argiope species. No, Argiope aurantia isn’t in South Africa. The Wikipedia spider locations cite the World Spider Catalog, which is a reliable source. The WSC doesn’t have the resources to track every place a spider could be, but it is still a good basic source. It is safe for kids to handle the Argiope spiders. The spiders don’t enjoy it but are tolerant. Like most spiders, they won’t bite unless they are… Read more »
Thank you so much! I will send your info to the school so all the boys can learn s little more about her.