Subject: Big Spider
Location: Meridian Mississippi USA
October 17, 2014 12:57 pm
I Found this spider on a web behind my house. What the heck is it? It looks dangerous!
Signature: KimH
Dear KimH,
This Golden Silk Spider, Nephila clavipes, is sometimes called a Banana Spider. As you have indicated, they are large spiders, and though they might bite a person if carelessly handled, they are not considered dangerous. Like most spiders, they do have venom, but the venom will only have a very localized reaction similar to a bee sting. Golden Silk Spiders are known for spinning an extremely strong silk to construct their webs, and the silk has a golden color. The strength of the silk enables them to snare large winded prey. Golden Silk Spiders are also known for their extreme sexual dimorphism. Your individual is a female, and she is about fifty times the size of her diminutive mate.
http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/g/golden-spider-silk/
Here’s what Golden Silk spiders can be good for. You’ll need time (lots) and money (lots and lots and lots).