Insect identifier · Spiders and scorpions
How to identify a Yellow garden spider
Argiope aurantia
· Also called writing spider, black and yellow garden spider, argiope, writing spider identification
The writing spider in a big zigzag orb web is a beneficial garden predator, not a widow or recluse.
The writing spider in a zigzag orb web is doing pest control in the garden. Yellow and black, sits in the web by day, almost never bites people. It is not a widow. Moving it off a walkway with a stick is enough. Late-summer garden searches for “black and yellow garden spider” should land here.
What does a yellow garden spider look like?
Striking yellow-and-black abdomen, silver carapace, zigzag silk “stabilimentum,” sits in the web by day in late summer.
Yellow garden spider (Argiope aurantia) is Large; females up to 20+ mm body. Colors people notice: yellow, black, silver. Field marks: Striking yellow-and-black abdomen; Silver carapace; Zigzag silk “stabilimentum” in a big orb web; Sits in the center of the web by day. It is found outdoor. If those marks are missing, open Yellow sac spider, Bald-faced hornet before you force this name. Search phrases that belong on this page include what a yellow garden spider looks like and yellow garden spider identification.
Identification marks
- Striking yellow-and-black abdomen
- Silver carapace
- Zigzag silk “stabilimentum” in a big orb web
- Sits in the center of the web by day
Size: Large; females up to 20+ mm body
Colors: yellow, black, silver
Where: outdoor
Yellow garden spider vs Yellow sac spider
Big zigzag in an orb web, yellow and black, sits in the web by day. Not a widow. Not aggressive. Beneficial.
- Yellow sac spider identification (Cheiracanthium inclusum)
- Bald-faced hornet identification (Dolichovespula maculata)
Range and season
U.S. and southern Canada, late summer–fall.
Sunny gardens and field edges, late summer, U.S. and southern Canada.
Common across the U.S. and southern Canada in sunny gardens.
Late summer–fall when webs are huge
Common questions
Does the yellow garden spider bite humans?
Almost never unless pinned. It is a beneficial garden predator.
Is it a widow or recluse?
No. The colors and orb web are distinctive.
Should I destroy the web?
Only if it blocks a walkway. Otherwise it is working for you.
Does a writing spider bite?
Rarely, and it is not a widow-type bite. It is a garden predator.
What is the zigzag in the web?
A stabilimentum. It is part of why people call it a writing spider.