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PLEASE HELP!
My name is Dave and my family and I were taking a tour of a house for sale in Jacksonville, FL when I came across this spider sitting in the middle of a gigantic web in the backyard. I’ve been looking everywhere for info on it and can’t find anything. I’m originally from CA and have never seen anything like it. Would you please tell me what kind it is and if its dangerous?
Thanks.
Dave

Hi Dave,
Thank you for the nice image of a Crablike Spiny Orb Weaver demonstrating a brave hand for scale. The spider is harmless, unless you are a hapless flying insect that flies into it large orb web. This spider is common in the South. Our most recent guide book list the scientific name as changed from Gasteracantha cancriformis to Gasteracantha elipsoides. This striking spider was once featured on an American postage stamp.

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