Orb Weaving Spider

[David LaPell]

My son pointed out yesterday that we had another large spider hanging around, so I got a couple good pictures of the very colorful orb weaving spider hanging off of the garden fence. They are good to have around so he (or she) can stay. This one is with the legs stretched out is about 2 1/2 inches. It's pretty timid and let me take all the photos I wanted.

 

[TucsonDirt]

Wow that's a great pic!
I remembered seeing these in the garden when I was growing up in NY state, then I noticed that's where you are!
They make an unmistakable web with a zigzag pattern through the middle if I remember correctly.

 

[sceva]

In Ohio we called them Golden Garden Spiders. They weave a beautiful web and we were taught to appreciate having them around and to never bother them.

 

[Mike Armstrong]

I think the Latin name for those is "Insecticide"! but I wish they wouldn't spin right in front of the reddest tomatos! I get a crick in my shoulder trying to reach around behind the web....

Great photo!