Argiope trifasciata

Fact Box Species: Argiope trifasciata (RM) Previous species name: None Family: Araneidae formerly Argiopidae Body length: female: 16 mm male: 6 mm Habitat: In small webs close to the ground; the female rests under the suspended web and the male on its edge; the legs of the female align with the stabilimentum Toxicity: Unknown but has the potential to cause slow-healing bites; not aggressive to humans; prefers to escape than defend itself

The underside

This species builds its webs close to the ground in reeds or tall grass. Like other Argiope species it tends to occupy a stabilimentum in the centre of its web. Distinguishing features of this cosmopolitan spider are its yellow, white and black abdominal bands and its pattern of leg bands.

Spider(s) with a very similar appearance: Argiope keyserlingi and Argiope picta.