Yellow Garden Spider Argiope aurantia

Identification
This spider has bright yellow and black markings and builds large orb webs.

Location
Common statewide

Size
One inch body

Diet
It feeds on flying insects.

Habitat
It occurs in gardens and meadows.

Activity Period
June to October

Behavior
It sits in the center of its web with legs in pairs. It is active in warm months.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in late summer with large egg sacs.

Population
The population is stable statewide.

History
It has long been common in Ohio.

Human Interactions
It is harmless despite its size.

Facts
It builds webs with a zigzag silk band.

Sources
ODNR NatureServe

Flying insects | Gardens fields meadows | Statewide