The Golden Silk Spider, scientifically known as Trichonephila clavipes, is a fascinating species native to southeastern states like Florida. These large spiders exhibit striking orange and brown hues and are easily recognizable due to the feathery tufts on their legs.
They are known for creating beautiful, golden-colored webs during the late summer and fall seasons. Despite their captivating appearance, Golden Silk Spiders can be a nuisance for hikers and hunters who often encounter their large webs in densely vegetated areas.
Some key features of the Golden Silk Spider include:
- Large size (females usually larger than males)
- Orange and brown coloration
- Feathery tufts on legs
- Golden silk webs
A comparison of Golden Silk Spiders to their closely related cousin, the East Asian Joro Spider, highlights some similarities and differences. Both species belong to the group of large spiders called golden orb-web weavers and make enormous, multi-layered webs of gold-colored silk. However, the Joro Spider is native to East Asia, while the Golden Silk Spider is found across the southeastern United States 1.
Golden Silk Spider Identification
Color and Size
The Golden Silk Spider, also known as Trichonephila clavipes or the Golden Silk Orb-Weaver, is a large spider known for its distinct colors. The spider exhibits a combination of orange, yellow, and brown hues, especially on its abdomen. The females are notably larger than the males.
For example:
- Female body length: 24-40mm
- Male body length: 5-6mm
Physical Characteristics
Here are some notable physical characteristics of the Golden Silk Spider:
- Abdomen: The abdomen is elongated and contains yellow spots on a dark brown background.
- Legs: The spider has eight legs with a unique appearance, featuring feathery tufts of hair on their surface.
The chart below compares some key aspects of the Golden Silk Spider’s appearance.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Orange, Yellow, and Brown |
| Abdomen | Elongated with yellow spots on a dark brown base |
| Legs | Eight legs with feathery tufts of hair |
In summary, you can identify a Golden Silk Spider by its distinctive color, elongated abdomen with yellow spots, and hairy legs.
Habitat and Distribution
United States and Central America
The Golden Silk Spider, Trichonephila clavipes, is commonly found in the southeastern United States, particularly in states like Florida and North Carolina.
In Central America, their distribution extends to countries like Guatemala and Panama.
- Preferred habitat: They typically inhabit warm, humid environments, such as gardens and forests.
South America and the Pacific
In South America, the Golden Silk Spider ranges from countries like Argentina to the northwestern coast.
Their habitat extends to the far reaches of the South Pacific, including islands such as Madagascar and New Guinea.
- Versatility: These spiders adapt well to various environments, from tropical rainforests to dry deserts.
| Region | Distribution | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Southeastern states | Florida, North Carolina |
| Central America | Through Panama | Guatemala, Panama |
| South America | Northwestern coast | Argentina |
| South Pacific | Islands, Madagascar | Madagascar, New Guinea |
- Key Features:
- Inhabit warm, humid environments
- Adapt well to various environments
Web and Silk Properties
Structure and Appearance
The golden silk spider, also known as an orb-weaving spider, creates a unique type of web that displays an asymmetrical orb shape. The spider typically waits near the top of the web, making it a semi-permanent structure 1. The web itself has a signature golden hue, hence the name “golden silk spider” 2.
- Unique asymmetrical orb structure
- Semi-permanent (not destroyed periodically)
- Distinctive golden hue
Strength and Applications
Spider silk, especially from the golden silk spider, is known for its exceptional strength and stretchiness. These properties make it resilient and one of the strongest materials known 3. In comparison to steel, spider silk of the same weight has greater tensile strength 4. Here are some applications of spider silk:
- Web building and capturing prey
- Sperm transfer in reproduction
- Lining hibernating, molting, or living chambers
- Constructing egg cases
- Draglines and mating bowers
- Wind-borne travel in spiderlings
The versatility of spider silk offers potential uses in various fields, such as creating fishing nets (due to its strength and underwater durability), as well as in medical advancements (biodegradability and biocompatibility with human tissues) 5.
Comparison Table
| Material | Strength | Stretchiness | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | Strong | Low | Construction, infrastructure, automotive and aviation |
| Spider Silk | Exceptional (Greater than steel at equal weight) | High | Web building, prey capture, reproduction, living chambers, egg cases, draglines, mating bowers, potential medical applications |
Diet and Prey
The Golden Silk Spider, also known as the Trichonephila clavipes, has a preference for flying insects as its primary source of nourishment. These spiders are experts at catching a variety of winged victims.
Flying Insects
Golden Silk Spiders typically target:
- Flies
- Bees
- Mosquitoes
- Butterflies
- Dragonflies
- Grasshoppers
These skilled predators craft their webs to strategically capture their prey. Once ensnared, they immobilize the insect by injecting venom.
Comparison Table
| Prey | Attraction for Spiders | Cons for Spiders |
|---|---|---|
| Flies | Abundant and easy to catch | Lower nutritional value |
| Bees | Nutritious and high in protein | Can potentially sting the spider |
| Mosquitoes | Widespread, especially in humid areas | Smaller size, less sustenance |
| Butterflies | Visually appealing prey | Might escape due to size |
| Dragonflies | Good source of protein | Difficult to catch, strong wings |
| Grasshoppers | Large and filling | Might escape because of size |
The Golden Silk Spider’s diet is diverse and opportunistic. They take advantage of their environment to feed on a wide range of flying insects, ensuring a consistent source of nutrients.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Mating Behavior
Golden Silk Spiders exhibit fascinating mating rituals. Males are much smaller than females, and they approach females with caution. They perform a delicate dance on the web to avoid being mistaken for prey and eaten by the female. Males also deposit their sperm onto the female’s abdomen, using a specialized organ called a pedipalp.
Eggs and Offspring
Female Golden Silk Spiders, also known as Banana Spiders, lay their eggs around August or September. They create a protective egg sac made of silk and cover it with a layer of their golden silk. Some key features of their reproduction are:
- Females can lay up to 3,000 eggs in one sac
- Egg sacs are about the size of a small orange
- The color of the egg sac helps camouflage it among leaves
Adult females guard their egg sacs to ensure the survival of their offspring. The baby spiders or spiderlings hatch within a few weeks and are covered in a dense layer of fine hair. They remain close to the egg sac until they are ready to disperse and build webs of their own.
Comparison Table
| Females | Males | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Larger (body length up to 1.5 inches) | Smaller (body length 0.2-0.35 inches) |
| Color | Brighter, often yellowish-orange with black markings | Duller, typically brownish or grayish |
| Role | Build webs, lay eggs, guard offspring | Transfer sperm, dance to attract females |
It’s important to note that Golden Silk Spiders are generally not harmful to humans. Their venom can cause localized pain and redness, similar to a bee sting, but it’s not severe or dangerous unless the person is allergic. The spiders will bite only if threatened or mishandled.
Human Interaction
Encounters and Safety Precautions
People often encounter the Golden Silk Spider during the late summer and fall in southeastern states. The spiders commonly build their large golden webs in low shrubs, where hikers and hunters might come across them. To avoid unpleasant encounters with these spiders:
- Be observant while walking in wooded areas
- Carry a walking stick to clear webs ahead of you
- Wear long sleeves and pants to protect your skin
Medical Significance
The Golden Silk Spider is not venomous, and its bite is considered harmless to humans. However, if bitten, some individuals may experience localized pain and redness at the bite site. Comparing this species to other spiders, the Golden Silk Spider is less likely to cause medical concerns:
| Spider Type | Bite Effects | Medical Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Silk Spider | Localized pain, redness | Low |
| Brown Recluse | Necrosis, severe pain | High |
| Black Widow | Neurotoxic, severe pain | High |
In most cases, a bite from a Golden Silk Spider does not require medical attention, and over-the-counter pain relief can manage the symptoms. Remember, it’s essential to:
- Remain calm and avoid panicking if bitten
- Keep the bite area clean with soap and water
- Apply a cold compress to the bite site to reduce swelling and pain
- Consult a medical professional if the symptoms worsen or don’t subside after a day or two
Importance for Ecosystem
The Golden Silk Spider, also known as Trichonephila clavipes, plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecosystem balance. One of its main contributions lies in pest control.
- It feeds on various insects, including mosquitoes and flies.
- By consuming these pests, it helps reduce their population, ultimately improving human health and crop production.
The protein found in these spiders is also noteworthy. Their silk glands produce a unique, liquid protein, which turns into exceptionally strong and elastic fibers when stretched. Spider silk has impressive properties:
- Greater tensile strength than steel of the same weight.
- Highly elastic, which means it can stretch without breaking.
Due to its extraordinary features, researchers are interested in utilizing spider silk for various applications. Potential transportation improvements include:
- Lightweight, strong materials for vehicles and aircraft.
- Developing impact-resistant windshield glass.
A comparison between the silk of Golden Silk Spider and steel:
| Material | Tensile Strength | Elasticity | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Silk Spider Silk | High | High | Light |
| Steel | High | Low | Heavy |
To summarize, the Golden Silk Spider contributes significantly to ecosystem balance, pest control, and novel material development for various industries. Its exceptional silk properties offer exciting opportunities for future innovations.
Conservation and Threats
The Golden Silk Spider, also known as Trichonephila clavipes, is a large orange and brown spider found in Florida and other southeastern states1. Although it may be despised by hikers and hunters for its large golden webs, this fascinating creature plays a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem balance.
Molting
Molting is a process in which the spider sheds its exoskeleton to grow larger. This is a vulnerable time for the Golden Silk Spider, as it is more prone to predation and environmental threats. Understanding molting can help in conservation efforts for this species.
Threats
Some of the threats faced by the Golden Silk Spider include:
- Habitat loss
- Pesticide exposure
- Climate change
Conservation
To protect the Golden Silk Spider, various measures can be taken:
- Limit pesticide use in their native habitats
- Preserve and restore natural ecosystems
To understand the importance of these conservation efforts, let’s compare their benefits and drawbacks.
| Conservation Efforts | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Limit pesticide use | Protect spiders and other species | May affect crop protection |
| Preserve ecosystems | Maintain biodiversity | Requires resources and funding |
In conclusion, the Golden Silk Spider plays an essential role in our ecosystem. Understanding its threats and taking relevant conservation measures is crucial to protect this striking species.
Golden Silk Spider vs Other Species
Argiope Aurantia
Argiope aurantia, also known as the black and yellow garden spider, is a showy spider often noticed in late summer. The females have a body length of just over one inch. Some key features of Argiope aurantia include:
- Orb-weaver spider
- Bright color pattern
- Trademark zig-zag pattern in web
In contrast to the golden silk spider, Argiope aurantia has a more pronounced color pattern and a smaller body size.
Comparison of Golden Silk Spider and Argiope Aurantia:
| Feature | Golden Silk Spider | Argiope Aurantia |
|---|---|---|
| Body length | Larger than Argiope Aurantia | Approximately 1 inch |
| Color pattern | Orange and brown hues | Bright black and yellow |
| Web construction | Large golden webs | Zig-zag pattern in center |
Araneus Species
Araneus species are part of the Araneidae family, along with the golden silk spider and Argiope aurantia. A notable example of an Araneus species is the giant wood spider, found in Australia’s forests. Some characteristics of Araneus species are:
- Cylindrical body
- Inconspicuous color patterns
- One generation in temperate North America
Araneus species differ from the golden silk spider in body shape, color patterns, and habits.
Features of Araneus Species:
- More inconspicuous than golden silk spiders
- Commonly found in temperate North America
The golden silk spider has a distinct appearance with its orange-banded legs and leg hair brushes, which resemble gaiters. In comparison, Araneus species have a more cylindrical body and inconspicuous habits, making them less noticeable in their environment.
Footnotes
- (https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/misc/golden_silk_spider.htm) ↩ ↩2 ↩3
- https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/MISC/SPIDERS/yellow-garden-spider.html ↩
- https://news.mit.edu/2012/spider-web-strength-0202 ↩
- https://mdc.mo.gov/wildlife/wildlife-facts/insect-spider-and-kin-facts/spider-facts ↩
- https://uwm.edu/field-station/the-wonders-of-webs-i-spider-silk/ ↩
41 Comments. Leave new
As to the question of aggression, my husband accidently walked into a Golden Silk Spider’s nest in TX while visiting a state park. There were loads of these webs along the grassy wooded bank he was going through, each with its resident spider in the center. Only after getting covered in spider web did he realize his mistake and started wildly swinging his arm. The poor spider was about as afraid as he was as it methodically began walking down his back to get away! She just wanted to get away from this “wild beast!” — Stefanie
We have a lot of these spiders in lower Alabama. I was told they were the North American Banana Spider, but I see here you call them Golden Silk Spiders. We have woods behind our house and sometimes we go hiking back there. Occasionally we see these huge spiders with their webs spun across the entire width of the trail, and have actually seen where a bird got ensnared. Next time I go hiking, I am definitely taking my camera.
Hi Vern,
Thanks for confirming that Banana Spider is a common name for Nephila clavipes, the only name that should be used with this species to avoid confusion. Scientific names, though they are ponderous to use in polite conversation, are the only sure way to identify a species correctly. The scientific names are universally accepted by the scientific community, and they are used regardless of the language being spoken at the time. For the average person, a common name for a species will suffice, however, the same species may have a different common name in English and in French, or in California and Florida. Additionally, numerous species may have the same common name, which is the case with the Banana Spider. In some places, the Golden Silk Spider, Nephila clavipes, is known as a Banana Spider, but the name Banana Spider is also used with the Huntsman Spider, Heteropoda venatoria. It is believed the name Banana Spider refers to the large size and yellow coloration in the former Golden Silk Spider. In the case of the Huntsman Spider, the term arose because the spiders were often present in banana shipments and they would emerge from bunches of banana in grocery stores. Their large size and hairy bodies caused them to be confused with Tarantulas.
Thanks so much for your help! Assuming that I can find another example of this Nephila, is there a way for me to compare my specimen with information available on previously catalogued specimens (like the rufapoda, especially) with an eye toward establishing wether or not this is a new species?
Thanks again!
Sorry, but we don’t have any entomology or biology credentials. We just do visual matches based on observations and comparisons.
I thought bugman took the picture (“is this guy based in Taiwan?” I asks), but now I see bugman answered the query. I didn’t really expect whatsthatbug.com to officially begin the documentation process on this spider. But, do you have any idea where I can go to find information on that process? I checked the Ozarkwild website, but I didn’t immediately find any clues there.
Sorry, but we are unable to provide you with an answer at the moment.
Fair enough -this website is a tremendous amount of fun, and I’m looking forward to sending you more pics from Taiwan!
This image of a red-legged Nephila was the number two ranked image (after only Dr. RJ Ross’ original picture) tagged as a search result for Nephila rufapoda -as of two days ago.
Sometime yesterday, this pic was completely removed from Google images and is now unavailable.
Is that strange?
Hi Dane,
Not sure what that means. Did you post your photo to google images? For the record, we are not claiming that this is Nephila rufapoda, only that the Australian species was the closest match we could find for your Taiwanese spider.
P.S. We just got our answer when we found this posting on Google.
Strange, huh?
WOW! That is SO cool looking.
Hey there. I am just a little confused. I read that article on “Wikipedia” and am left wondering, is this spider also commonly referred to as a “Saint Andrew’s Spider”? I wonder this because of the image above makes it look as such, I want to get a “Saint Andrew’s Spider” as a pet, but from what I saw on shows (fictional) and read online it seems to be a dangerous spider and thus if it is so dangerous I am not sure if I want to get one and keep in anymore. Thank you for all the help.
Sincerely, Nathan.
Hi Nathan,
The spider most commonly called a St. Andrew’s Cross Spider is Argiope keyserlingi, and it is an Australian species according to the Australian Museum website. The common name refers to the X shaped stabilimentum woven into the spider’s orb web. Several other species in the genus Argiope spin a web with the X shaped stabilimentum, and they might also be called St. Andrew’s Cross Spiders, like this tentatively identified Lobed Argiope from Zimbabwe we just posted. Members of the genus Argiope might bite if provoked or carelessly handled, but they are not considered particularly dangerous. Orbweavers are short-lived spiders, and we believe most members of the family live a single season, which is probably the best reason to eliminate them as pets. You did not provide us with your location. We would not recommend importing a nonnative Argiope as a pet, but you might try keeping a local species in captivity.
Hey there. I am just a little confused. I read that article on “Wikipedia” and am left wondering, is this spider also commonly referred to as a “Saint Andrew’s Spider”? I wonder this because of the image above makes it look as such, I want to get a “Saint Andrew’s Spider” as a pet, but from what I saw on shows (fictional) and read online it seems to be a dangerous spider and thus if it is so dangerous I am not sure if I want to get one and keep in anymore. Thank you for all the help.
Sincerely, Nathan.
Dear bugman,
Thank you for telling me this. I will certainly keep it in mind. 😀
Sincerely, Nathan Neumiller
Dear bugman,
Thank you for telling me this. I will certainly keep it in mind. 😀
Sincerely, Nathan Neumiller
I forgot to add that it’s mate is in the picture as well but, it’s very hard to see.
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).
Nephila pilipes (jalorensis?). Nephila pilipes and Nephila maculata are synonyms.
I submitted a photo last night, and after researching your fantastic website, I believe it was a huntsman spider. Glad to know they are harmless even though I prefer not to shower with them! I loved your book review and hope it helps children not to become a spider phobe as I am. My great grandmother tried to teach me to like and handle them, but just never got over that fear. I can deal with, and find a lot of bugs interesting, but spiders are my downfall unfortunately.
We will take a look at your image and attempt an identification. We were out of the office yesterday and did not read much mail.
I work on an island off North Mozambique and we have one of these spiders as a resident here. She is very big and beautiful, exactly like the picture above.
This one is Nephilengys cruentata.
This spider seems to be very large, but after a research I did on spiders, I’ve learned that the largest specie is found in South America and it belongs to the tarantula family. I’m truly amazed by its size – the largest specimen known had a led span of over 28 cm. It sounds crazy!!
It IS cool looking, isn’t it?
I did get some closure on this question.
The spider is (probably) Nephila pilipes. Nephila pilipes occasionally have variations in melanin that cause the legs to appear red. That has been pretty well documented by universities here on the island.
It IS cool looking, isn’t it?
I did get some closure on this question.
The spider is (probably) Nephila pilipes. Nephila pilipes occasionally have variations in melanin that cause the legs to appear red. That has been pretty well documented by universities here on the island.
I think that is a brown recluse. It doesn’t look like any banana spider that I’ve seen. The brown recluse is fairly common in parts of puerto rico and highly venomous. This is an old post but in the future if you come across a spiper like that be cautious.
The spider in this posting is NOT a Brown Recluse. It is a male Huntsman Spider, Heteropoda venatoria, and it is sometimes called a Banana Spider.
Oh, that spider is very common here in Brazil and we call them Nephila Clavipes, is it wrong? They are not that specific species?
Nephila clavipes is the scientific name for the indigenous species of Golden Silk Spider found in North America, Central America, South America, and the islands of the Caribbean. Banana Spider is another common name.
Silk from spiders of this genus has been woven into cloth at great expense and effort. The natural color of the silk is exceedingly beautiful. If I were a billionaire, I wouldn’t buy a solid gold toilet, but I’d commission a spider silk shirt—if I was just a multi-millionaire, maybe I’d settle for a tie.
We have at least one Spider posting on our site with a link to Inhabitat.com of a gorgeous silk shawl woven from the naturally colored silk of Golden Silk Spiders from Madagascar.
Just want to know is it venomous or deadly
Hi, I can take pics of this spider in NC, it seems there are several around my shed. I think it might be soldier spiders.
I found this huge spider on the wall last night. Please can you identify it?
How I attached the photo? Thanks
Maru
I found this huge spider on the wall last night. Please can you identify it?
How I attached the photo? Thanks
Maru
I have 2 pet (NOBLE FALE BLACK WIDOW SPIDERS) I can’t wait till one of them or both grow into adult males.mi want to know who would win in a fight over territory a male (NOBLE FALSE BLACK WIDOW SPIDER) or a male orchard spider
I think people are afraid to answer that question cause their afraid the male orchard spider will LOSE.???? HAA HA HA HA HA HA HA HAAAAA
Thats a male huntsman spider we also call them araña boba the female have a bigger rounder abdomen
I recently visited Christmas Island an identified a female agriope appensa. She had made her web under the verandah of Parks Australia’s Research Station. I have a photo if you are interested.