Subject: Banana Spider
Location: South East Texas
August 13, 2014 6:44 pm
Not sure if it’s actaully called a Banana Spider but that’s what we call them in my area. We have many of these in the yard. Our yard is a like a spider wonderland!
Signature: S. Miller
Dear S. Miller,
Your spider is Nephila clavipes, and Banana Spider is one common name, though the more widely used common name is Golden Silk Spider because of the strength of the silk, which is gold in color. Though they might bite if carelessly handled, these Banana Spiders are considered harmless.
I forgot to add that it’s mate is in the picture as well but, it’s very hard to see.