I have two very small children and I keep seeing these spiders outside my house. He looks scary, but if he's harmless I'll let them live outside. Take a look at the pics and let me know what you think!!
2007-09-26 07:14:43 · 6 answers · asked by Alysia 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l223/alysia1201/09-26-07_1244.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l223/alysia1201/09-26-07_1243.jpg
http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l223/alysia1201/09-26-07_1242.jpg
2007-09-26 07:15:44 · update #1
This is not a wolf spider - this is a variety of Orb weaver that, while usually menacingly large and frightening looking - is 100% harmless to humans.
They are GREAT garden spiders and help control other unwanted pests like flies, mosquitoes, etc.
Please don't kill it - not only are they (and their awesome web designs) beautiful, but they will not hurt your children.
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Edit:
I wanted to make sure I got you the exact name of the spider in case you wanted to verify my above statements.. so here it is: It's called a Golden Orb Weaver
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/2030784/2/istockphoto_2030784_golden_orb_weaver.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.istockphoto.com/file_closeup/%3Fid%3D2030784%26refnum%3D331469&h=380&w=269&sz=61&hl=en&start=8&um=1&tbnid=r4Xlez0tQpI0UM:&tbnh=123&tbnw=87&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dgolden%2Borb%2Bweaver%26svnum%3D10%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN
Scientific name Agriope aurantia, also known as Miranda aurantia.
2007-09-26 07:58:02 · answer #1 · answered by nixity 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Orb Weaver. While ALL spiders can bite and ALL spiders are venomous, it is completely harmless to humans.
You'll notice the zig-zag pattern in the web under its belly. That is a tell tale sign, along with the unusual positioning of its legs while at rest.
Although there are, of course, many different variants of the orb weaver, this is what I am talking about with the web:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/briansims/303847253/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/e_monk/941636474/
2007-09-26 08:04:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I checked and I am unable to find the species, but if I were you, kill it and then call a pest control company who can spray, depending on where you live, you may want to check the listing of poisonous spiders in your area.You do not want to take chances with your children, they could get bitten. I have a phobia of spiders so that thing would have been long gone by now! I am having a problem with all sorts of little ickies trying to come into my apartment lately, so i am waiting for pest control....
2007-09-26 07:48:40 · answer #3 · answered by Ms Val L 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This is not a dangerous spider. It is a very common and beneficial spider found in gardens, etc.
It is called a Argiope. Also called a Yellow Argiope, Golden Garden spider or Writing spider.
Is harmless. Leave them in peace.
2007-09-26 09:03:58 · answer #4 · answered by madcat 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Everyone is over-reacting on this one. It is a totally harmless garden-variety wolf spider.
2007-09-26 07:53:47 · answer #5 · answered by boogeywoogy 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
CALL AN EXTERMINATOR GIRL!!! dont take a chance even if u think it is harmless!!! I dont know if it is poisoness or not but that doesnt look to friendly!!! and if u dont want to call a exterminator have ur husband kill it!
2007-09-26 07:39:08 · answer #6 · answered by popstar 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋