Posted by Rachael Williams on September 28, 2006

Q: I'm from southern Indiana and was recently visiting some family in Bedford. They live way out in the sticks near grassy fields and such. On a fence post, clung to it's web, was a spider about 3 1/2-4 in. in full length with a smooth black body and some yellow pattern covering the dorsal side. It's web was pretty small, for such a big spider. I've never seen anything like it and was terrified! Can you tell me some more about it?

Habitat: field/meadow

State: Indiana

Habitat: field/meadow

A: There are so many different kinds of spiders that it's really difficult to identify them with just a description, but I think I do know what you saw. I think your animal is a Black and Yellow Argiope (R-gee-ope). This is a beautiful spider that is usually found in open areas (fields and gardens) since they're especially adept at catching grasshoppers. This is a harmless spider and one you needn't fear.

Take a look at one of our units on this animal and learn a bit more about this interesting spider. Check out www.enaturalist.org

Thanks for asking and I trust my identification is correct.

John Wiessinger ( September 29, 2006)