Saw this guy and just had to take a picture of him. Click on the image for the sooc.

I. DID. NOT. NEED. TO. SEE. THIS. lol.

But it's too late now isn't it? I could spot the spider right away without clicking on it for the larger view.
I have never seen a spider look anything like that though.
What country are you in that has spiders looking like that? Good colorful photo though lylejk !

What is this zigzag lylejk ?

eeek!

googled garden spider...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argiope_aurantia

Lyle must be in Europe.
My Wife didn't need to see that either.

I believe that is the webbing (zigzags).
Nice photo though Lyle.

Alabama Barbie; I was told, many years ago, that they called this a banana spider but I couldn't tell you otherwise but thanks to 2-ton, I do know the name now (told wrong of course). lol

They are, for the most part, benign. They do make the most elaborate webs that I've ever seen. If this one would have done it's deed in a tree or house corner, the web would have been huge. I usually don't like spiders, but I always like these spiders and they've been in my yard for decades now and I've never been bit. lol

As Rod said, the zigzags is what this spider does and believe it hides behind them. I did purturb the guy while taking the picture so he did move from his original point.

I've always wondered about the zigzag, the stabilimentum, myself. I learned a new word. I'm sure I'll remember it. I've never seen those variations. It's interesting they aren't really sure what their purpose is. Maybe the spider will tell us one day.

I was once told that Banana spiders could be quite dangerous. I haven't really looked into it.

Eeeeeu, what is that thang hanging down from it. That must have been a good camera to take a shot of that web so clear like that.
I think I will detour around Alabama the next time through.

I think that's because here in the UK we periodically get spiders found in bunches of bananas in supermarkets and they tend to be quite nasty:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/7599561.stm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-e ... e-17139423

Generally our indigenous spiders aren't too bad (although I have something of a dislike of them), but there are more worrying varieties getting a bit too close for comfort:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-11480604

Kevin

I think I will stay away from the produce dept. They are disgusting. I can imagine what some of those cargo ships have in their holds.

VLUX-1 Molly. Dad got it for me for a Birthday preset 5 or 6 years ago. Fantastic camera but way overpriced. Still, I do like my Leica; just don't use it that often.

does a very nice job Lyle.

I remember the news story now. I didn't know you were in the UK. I used to be terrified of spiders but I hate anything being unnecessarily killed and when a mate of mine was going to kill a monster I grabbed it and put it outside. I've never been scared of them since.

A monster, you say? You just put it outside, let it loose on the world rather than taking it to a museum or something. As much as I hate ticks and fleas, every creature has it's place in the world.

If i find one inside it dies - outside it lives...Mama Bears rules.
Especially when they climb around the toilet...not a good idea for spiders in my house.

I thought that was the reason Kevin. I had heard before of spiders being found in bunches of bananas especially Tarantulas.

Lyle one of these days i will buy me a decent camera. *fingers crossed*

Remember when they gave certain spider species different drugs and watched them weave? That was something wasn't it?

Some links
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effect_of_ ... on_animals
http://www.collegehumor.com/video/23646 ... s-on-drugs

I remember someone posting the drugged spider one a while back Rod. As I recall, caffeine made for the worse result. lol

Well the only person in the house who wasn't scared of spiders wouldn't go near this one. It would have been a record breaker for size.

You probably guessed I was just being silly. I just imagined you tackling the Cookie Monster or something more unholy. Anyway, good for you.