How To Identify A Golden Silk Orb Weaver Spider In Your Yard

When it comes to scary-looking spiders, you don't have to be an arachnophobe to find steering clear of the golden silk orb weaver (Trichonephila clavipes) to be a good idea. Sometimes called banana spiders, these arachnids can indeed grow in size on par with tarantulas, making them some of the largest spiders residing in southern parts of North America. What you might notice first in your yard, however, are the webs these skilled weavers construct during the summer months.

The golden silk orb weaver positions its round web — which can be 5 feet in diameter – to intercept flying insects and other small animals. That means they can attach them from tree to tree or structure to structure on your property. Made of seven types of silk, these webs are coarser than those produced by some other spiders and extremely strong, too. Small snakes and dragonflies fall victim to these webs, as do fierce flyers like horseflies. Golden silk orb weaver spiders are even one of the predators that can eat hummingbirds on rare occasions. And in case you're wondering, the silk these spiders spin really does have a golden hue, and that's where they get their name. Beyond living in these mesh-like traps, female silk orb weaver spiders also have some distinguishing characteristics you can look for in addition to their ample size. 

The female golden silk orb weaver looks particularly intimidating, with a gold-colored body sporting lighter yellow spots and lengthy legs that can give it an overall span ranging from 2 to 6 inches. You'll also notice distinctive black poofs of hair on this spider's yellow and black banded legs. The males look more mundane with dark brown coloring, and they're also much smaller at only ½ to 2 inches or so in length. If you see a small spider in a web that you've identified as belonging to a female golden silk orb weaver, that's likely her male counterpart.

Since golden silk orb weavers look particularly menacing (even though they won't bite you unless you actually hold or squeeze them), it's not the type of insect you want setting up shop in an area where you or your family members will be coming and going because their webs are so massive. They're apt to repair them when partially damaged. If you're looking for a natural orb weaver spider repellent, pest control professionals suggest that the acid in vinegar diluted with water will prove harmful to them; even the scent will likely keep them at bay. Just take care when using vinegar in areas with tender vegetation since it can also be used to control weeds naturally and may inadvertently kill other plants.