long legged backyard spider
Posted by Deborah Allee on May 16, 2006
Q: This year as well as last year our 2 hineysuckle vines have been colonlized by a type of spider I am curious about.. It has long banded leggs, and abdomin that is brown on white (makes me think of fabroshae eggs), the larger ones are easily be about the size of your palm, and a messy web.. What are they, they have me fasinated!!
State: Arizona
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: It's wonderful to hear from someone who is fascinated by spiders rather than frightened by them. There are so many different kinds of spiders across the continent that it makes it difficult to know which one you might have. But, your description makes me think of the Nephila spider that is found in southern U.S. Google "Nephila clavipes" and see what you find. This may not be the exact species that you have but may be similar enough to help you tract down the one you have. Thanks for asking and good luck.
John Wiessinger ( May 16, 2006)