Oh, they're big. And if their size doesn't get your attention, their beautiful webs will. The female Argiope appensa, referred to here as the Hawaiian or yellow garden spider (though not native), can get close to three inches in length, though the males are commonly less than an inch, and mostly brown in color. Look for the pentagon-shaped abdomen and darker cephalothorax, eight eyes, and banded legs. They are known to be master web-casters, spinning orb webs made of sticky capture silk. Like other members of their genus, these spiders also weave in a zig-zag stabilimentum, a decorative pattern of non-capture silk, though the function of this pattern is a matter of debate. It may be a way of luring in prey, due to the UV reflectiveness of the silk; others believe it to be a defense mechanism, warning birds and others critters not to crash into their web. Either way, it is striking, and another key to identification, though it may not always be present. While all spiders have some venom used to stun their prey, these garden spiders have so little as to be considered non-venomous. So instead of getting that broom and knocking down this amazing feat of engineering, admire the craftsmanship and let them catch the cockroaches.
12 Comments
Robert Schmitt
6/15/2016 04:28:25 pm
On Kauai the stabilium disappeared at the time the spider encased a victim and consumed same. It reappeared shortly after the meal. Is it what is used to encase the victim in what appears to be a gray sac?
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Jeanne
6/23/2016 01:32:03 am
Hi Robert,
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DB Cooper
4/30/2017 03:44:33 pm
...until I read up on these guys, I just assumed the stabilimentum was web-repair. Is that also a possibility?
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Darcy
7/8/2018 01:22:16 am
Does this spider have regenerative qualities? I am sure the one on my lanai lost two rear legs and now there are two new lighter colored and smaller legs.
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Jeanne
7/9/2018 12:05:30 pm
Found this info from http://www.uksafari.com/:
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Laverne
2/15/2019 01:06:38 pm
I was fortunate enough to capture a beautiful photo of this amazingly colorful spider! It was in the garden of the Old Mill Plantation. Does not even look real.
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Stefanie
2/17/2024 07:34:39 pm
Several of them on Molokai. Very pretty and interesting webs.
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none ya
5/20/2019 01:30:40 pm
u need the type of web it spins
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MARIANNE BUTTON
7/20/2019 01:28:16 pm
I live in Kona Hawaii have two of these in our spiders on our property. I read an article that states that they have not been cited in the month of July they have been here the whole month of July and now going into August. I thought I should let somebody know. Also does anybody know if they are poisonous for dogs I know they are not for human
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Chelle
10/6/2021 03:50:22 am
I'm on Maui and saw one floating on it's web in October
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Araceli Lopez
12/19/2023 10:50:37 am
Yesterday in Hilo I captured a close up picture of this spider with a brilliant shiny SILVER butt. I’ve only seen yellow ones before. Beautiful creatures.
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LeeAnn Clasen
12/24/2023 06:54:50 am
I live in Indonesia. I have one in my garden. She was black, but today I saw her in the sun and she glowed with a bit of yellow and white, totally iridescent! What a beauty!
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