(Family Argiopidae)
Nicknames: Argiope
Average Size: Ranging from about 0.2″ to 1″
Distinguishing Characteristics: Large, conspicuous spiders that hang head-down in their webs. They build orb-style webs with several zig-zags in them. Some have bright color patterns on them.
Range: 2,500 species found all over the world. There are several species native to South Dakota.
Habitat: Most live in gardens, meadows or fields.
Primary Foods: Insects. Orb-weavers have poor eyesight and discover their prey by the vibrations they feel through their web. They will cut out and let drop and inedible item that gets stuck in their web.
Breeding: In the fall, female orb-weavers produce egg sacs containing several hundred eggs. They do not take care of their babies. It appears that their young (spiderlings) face many hazards and thus the female lays many eggs.
Other Behavior: Orb-weavers’ weaving changes as the spiders mature. Normally young spiders’ webs contain much more zig-zagging than mature spiders’. Their complicated webs are the subject of much study by scientists.
Common Human Encounters: This spider is not dangerous to humans and is frequently seen by observant hikers. The spiders are long-legged and often colorful. They, however, often fall victim to human prejudice toward insects and spiders.