Strange spider! Anyone know what kind it is?

Question

I saw this spider around my pond for the first time this year. I live in the lowlands of South Carolina about 20 miles from the coast (don't know if that helps at all).

Here's a photo that was taken today.

http://s334.photobucket.com/albums/m439/jash83/?action=view&current=july2009.jpg

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Looks like a banana orb weaver. Here is a pic

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en...

aka golden silk orb weaver. They get very big. Leave it alone and It will do likewise. They have a certain level of venom, but the worst is some swelling. They are known to be quite common however. Many orb weavers like this, and the golden orb weaver are common in boggy places such as Florida, and ur pond lol. I have no doubt that they would also be in S Carolina. Maybe its just because you live in a more urban environ. Also being not far from the coast produces a more humid atmosphere, which, given heat produces ideal locations for fly breeding, and consequently, a outbreak of giant spiders like that. A fascinating specimen. THey are known to make great webs that snares even large bugs.

http://www.richard-seaman.com/Insects/Ja...

this is an Australian version of the same nephalia genus. They're big enough to catch hummingbirds. BUt yours doesn't seem too big...

Answer 2

It's a golden silk spider.  If you get bit by one it only produce's localized pain around the site of wound and the bite is much less severe than a bee sting. Anyway it's quite an interesting spider even though it isn't as venomous as many other spiders from North America.

Answer 3

that is obviously the a spider in the family rickdipietrous arachnid. it iis known for catching everything in its web just like its namesake

Answer 4

http://bugguide.net/node/view/2023