Writing Spiders

Types of Spiders

Spider Resources Araneus Spiders Cellar Spiders Running Crab Spiders Funnel Web Spiders Jumping Spiders Crab Spiders Daddy Long Legs Fishing Spiders Wolf Spiders House Spiders Long-jawed Orb Weavers

Writing spiders (Argiope aurantia) are orb weaving spiders found throughout the United States. They are characterized as large yellow and black spiders that build their nests around homes and gardens.

They get their nickname from their web construction practices. It appears they write a series of zs or Xs down the center.

The above picture shows a writing spider in action. You can see the spinnerets (brown patch) open at the bottom of the abdomen, spraying silk around the newly captured honeybee.

They do bite, however they are not considered dangerous spiders. You can normally approach them at close range for a picture.

The Araneus Spiders link in the box will take you to a page covering another group of orb weaving spiders.

© 2005 Patricia A. Michaels