Odd yellow and black bug on something that looks like a beehive??

Question

Today in my yard, i found on my fence something that looks like a pinecone and a beehive combined; and on it WERE NOT bees, but like bright yellow and black spiders. They were not moving. Any idea on what they are??!

Answer 1

they are probably the garden spider.  if they are small, then that is her egg case and the babies hatched.  it's good to have them around.  if you can see an adult on its web, it is beautiful.  they grow quite large but won''t hurt you.

Answer 2

Probably argiope aurantia, one of my favorite spiders. You can see a pic of an adult here: http://www.whatsthatbug.com/spiders3.htm...

You can also submit photos to that site for identification!