During my recent visits to Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge, I have noticed the reappearance of Black and Yellow Garden Orbweaver Spiders (Argiope aurantia). During the late summer and early fall, these relatively large spiders can be seen in the vegetation surrounding the pond and in the adjacent fields.
One of the coolest things about this spider is the distinctive zig-zag pattern, known technically as a stabilimentum that the spider uses for the central part of its web. According to Wikipedia, the purpose of the zig-zags is disputed. “It is possible that it acts as camouflage for the spider lurking in the web’s center, but it may also attract insect prey, or even warn birds of the presence of the otherwise difficult-to-see web.”
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Very nice image Mike! Great detail!
Thanks, Reed. I was really happy to be able to capture details of both the web and the spider, something that is not always possible.
Love these guys (actually girls). I have them all over my property. They eat an enormous number of pest insects.
The big ones are definitely the girls–the guys are much smaller. I like these spiders a lot–they are cool and colorful and fun to photograph. The only times I have issues with spiders are when I encounter webs at face-level when walking through the woods–I don’t like the feel of web material on my face. 🙂
I can’t say that I blame you there! I don’t like that, either. It always makes me wonder where the spider is! I love spiders, but except for the little jumping spiders I don’t really want them crawling on me.
My approach with spiders is similar to my approach with snakes–I love them from a distance. 🙂
Brilliant photo Mike! I’ve shared on twitter.
Thanks, Liz.