Posted by Karen Umbrello on October 1, 2007

Q: This summer, we had a black and yellow argiope in one of our flowerbeds. We are preparing to build a raised bed in the area and I would like to save what appears to be an eggsack (about the size of a gumball) for the spring. What would be the best way to go about making sure this eggsack survives the winter, since it's not a protected area and since we are taking out the current plantings at this time?

We live outside of Boston in Massachusetts.

Habitat: suburban/yard

State: Massachusetts

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: Good to hear you're thinking about how to protect these eggs rather than destroy them. The very best thing you can do is "think naturally". I know, it sounds corny but it isn't. In other words, think what would happen if you hadn't found those eggs and you didn't make the changes to your flowerbed - they'd be just fine just as you found them. So, if the egg sac is attached to some plants, I'd simply move them, plants and all (or at least part of the plants) to an area of your yard where they won't be damaged. Probably best too to ensure that the eggs don't end up on the ground and get soaked/trampled over the winter. Next spring the eggs will hatch, the young will crawl out of the sac and disperse throughout the area. Let's hope you find some more Argiopes next summer too. Thanks for writing and thanks for caring.

John Wiessinger ( October 1, 2007)