Golden Orb Weaver
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Golden Orb Weaver is the general name given to a genus of spiders (Nephila) in the Nephilidae family.
They are mostly a tropical and subtropical group of spiders characterized by their long, thin abdomens and long thin legs. Females are often colorful and considerably larger than males
Nephila spin the largest webs of all orb weaving spiders, and the webs are a golden color, hence the name Golden Orb Weaver.
Only one Golden Orb Weaver (Nephila clavipes), top picture, is native to North America, and it inhabits forested areas of the Southeast.
Females are large spiders, with a body and leg span that can reach four inches in length.
They are also known for their over sized webs that are built at both ground level and high among the tree tops. Many a hiker in the Southeast soon become familiar with the large web by walking through one.
Like most spiders, they will bite if handled, however their bite is not known to cause any medical problems for the average individual.
Picture two shows Nephila Pilipes, from Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia (thanks to KS of the UK). It can grow six inches long (including the legs) and can catch small birds and bats in its large web.
© 2009-2011 Patricia A. Michaels