Yellow garden spider vs Golden silk orbweaver
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a yellow garden spider from a golden silk orbweaver, and whether either one bites or stings.
Yellow garden spider
Argiope aurantia
Golden silk orbweaver
Trichonephila clavipes
≠The key differences
Yellow garden spider has an oval black-and-yellow abdomen, no hair tufts on the legs, and usually adds a thick white zigzag band to the center of its web, which is white rather than golden.
⚖︎Side by side
| Yellow garden spider | Golden silk orbweaver | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Mild venom | Mild bite |
| Size | Female body length 19-28 mm; male body length 5-9 mm (legspan several cm more) | Female body length 20-35 mm; male body length 4-6 mm |
| Colours | Yellow, Black, White, Brown | Golden yellow, Brown, Black, Pale yellow |
| Family | Araneidae | Araneidae |
| Habitat | Open, sunny to partly shaded areas with vegetation for web attachments: gardens, meadows, field edges, fences and shrubby margins. | Warm, sheltered sites: gardens, forest edges, shrubs, porches and eaves where large orb webs can be anchored |
| Range | Widespread in North America, from Canada through the United States and into Mexico; a few related Argiope species occur in other regions. | Southeastern United States through Central America, the Caribbean and much of South America |
| Active | Late spring through fall; adults most conspicuous in late summer and early fall, active during daylight and dusk. | Warm months (spring to fall) in temperate zones; year-round activity in tropical regions; mostly active during daylight and dusk |
| Pest? | No | No |
🔍How to spot a yellow garden spider
- Large female with bright yellow and black patterned abdomen and banded legs held in an X posture
- Orb web with a prominent zigzag white silk stabilimentum near the center
- Females much larger than males (about 3-5 times body length)
🔍How to spot a golden silk orbweaver
- Large female with elongated abdomen showing yellow, brown and black patterning and a glossy sheen
- Distinctive golden-yellow tint to silk and web visible in sunlight
- Marked sexual dimorphism: tiny, dull-colored males near the female's web
- Long, banded legs often with tufts of hair
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a yellow garden spider and a golden silk orbweaver?
Yellow garden spider has an oval black-and-yellow abdomen, no hair tufts on the legs, and usually adds a thick white zigzag band to the center of its web, which is white rather than golden.
Is a yellow garden spider or a golden silk orbweaver more dangerous?
Yellow garden spider: Mild venom. Golden silk orbweaver: Mild bite. Bites are rare and typically occur only if the spider is handled or trapped against skin. Bites are rare and usually occur only if the spider is handled or trapped against skin.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.