Subject: Spider
Location: Del Mar, CA, 1/2 mile from ocean
December 4, 2016 11:59 pm
We’ve seen this spider in our front yard in the same place for about three months. It seems to have a yellow outline of an hourglass on its belly. We’d like to know what kind of spider it is and if it’s poisonous.
Signature: Matthew Lee
Dear Matthew,
This beautiful Silver Garden Orbweaver, Argiope argentata, is considered harmless, though large individuals might bite if carelessly handled. Most spiders are venomous, though very few have a venom powerful enough to threaten humans.
Thanks very much! I’m glad it’s considered harmless. We will leave it alone then.
–Matt
What's That Bug? does not endorse extermination