Silver argiope

Description: Large and conspicuous spider. Females have a striking silver, yellow, and black coloration.
Its coloration, size, and characteristic shape of the abdomen make it an easily identifiable species.
The typical position forming an X with the four pairs of legs is also a distinctive feature, although shared with other species in the same family.
The ootheca (egg sac) is covered with a thick layer of green silk and can be found under a leaf beside the web.

Sexual Dimorphism: Very noticeable in this species.
Females are several times larger than males and are seen more frequently.
The male generally goes unnoticed due to its small size, however, it is often observed in the same web as the female.

Habitat: Primarily inhabits grasslands and open areas. It is also common in urban gardens.

Geographical Distribution: A widely distributed species in America. It is abundant throughout the central and northern parts of the country.

Behavior: Sedentary, they remain stationed in their orb-web, which can be large in adult specimens, waiting for prey.

Feeding: Insects that become trapped in their web.

Author of this description: Nicolás Olejnik