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 a suspended web, its legs aligned with a white stabilimentum Toxicity: Unknown but has the potential to cause slow-healing bites; not aggressive to humans; prefers to escape rather than defend itself

The underside Another female Its 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 magnifica.