The Argiope trifasciata or Banded Garden Spider is one of the most common species of the Argiope orb weaving spider. Originally, the spider originated in North America but can now be found all over the world.
The Banded Garden Spider appears in all US states. In some areas, this type of orb weaver is even considered a pest.
Argiope Trifasciata Description
The Argiope trifasciata looks very similar to the Argiope aurantia. However, their abdomen looks like it would be white, with thin, black and yellow bands covering it. The legs are deep orange with black bands on them.
The pattern for the Banded Argiope has multiple stripes running across the abdomen. Males have a much more nondescript abdomen and the entire spider has more of a shiny fuzzy brownish look to it.
Argiope Trifasciata Size
The body of the female Argiope trifasciata can grow up to one inch (25 mm). Like the Arigope aurantia, they can grow to a size of up to three inches including their legs.
Web of the Banded Garden Spider
The web usually reaches a diameter of around 2 feet (60 cm). Webs with a diameter of over 6 feet (2 m) have also been seen. The web of the Banded Garden Spider can usually be recognized on the beautifully created zigzag patterns stitching down the middle of the web where the spider rests.
Bite of the Argiope Trifasciata
While the spider uses poison to kill smaller insects, the bite of the Argiope trifasciata is not dangerous to humans. It is often compared to the pain level of a bee sting and might lead to swelling and minor pain.
Argiope Aurantia Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Chelicerata
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Araneae
- Infraorder: Araneomorphae
- Family: Aranidae
- Genus: Argiope
- Species: Argiope Trifasciata
Other common names
Banded orb weaving spider, banded garden spider, banded argiope, banded orb weaver
Distribution of the banded garden spider in the USA
The banded garden spider can be found in every US state – Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
I found this spider in an old tire in my back yard and could t find out what kind it was it has eggs also
Hello Carter,
Thanks for getting in touch. Unless you live outside the United States, this is a banded garden spider (Argiope trifasciata). Its abdomen seems somewhat shrunk and deformed which happens sometimes after it has laid eggs. It’s not a medically significant spider and great to have around for insect control. You can read more about it here: http://usaspiders.com/arigope-trifasciata-banded-garden-spider/
Saw this spider on my porch today. I believe it is an Argiope trifasciata. the underside has 2 stripes on a black body, and the top side had very interesting coloring. sending u copy as you might enjoy them. in some of the pics the zig zag web is very visable.
2nd pic, underside, yellow stripes
additional pic
I have watching two large orb like webs with a large brown spider in the center for the past month or two. Two days ago, both disappeared not to be seen again. Do you know where they went and what they did? I imagine this is the final phase of their life cycle but the sources I have read do not explain this. I miss them, having purposely avoided their webs the whole time. I look forward to your conclusion. I live in Kent, WA. Thank you very much. Peter Nikaitani