Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Original spelling: Argyope
Identification
Large orbweavers that do not have a retreat near their web--usually found in its center. These orbweavers often place a conspicuous zigzagging white silk banner in their webs called the "stabilimentum" which can be used to identify the species. Juveniles of many species spin a spiralling stabilimentum from the center of the web. The function of the stabilimentum is not fully understood. Hypotheses are: that it stabilizes the web, or makes it more apparent to birds which will thus not fly into and wreck it, or it reflects light to attract insect prey, or perhaps most likely helps to camouflage the spider in the web.
Range
Argiope argentata (Fabricius, 1775) CA, AZ, TX, FL
Argiope aurantia (Lucas, 1833) OR, CA, NM, TX, KS, NE, ND, WI, IA, MO, AR, OK, LA, MS, TN, KY, IL, IN, MI, OH, AL, GA, FL, NC, VA, WV, MD, NJ, PA, NY, ON, CT, RI, MA, NH, ME, NS
Argiope blanda (O. P.-Cambridge, 1898) TX
Argiope florida (Chamberlin & Ivie, 1944) NC, GA, AL, FL
Argiope trifasciata (Forskål, 1775) BC, AB, WA, OR, CA, NV, MT, ID, WY, UT, AZ, NM, ND, NE, KS, CO, OK, TX, WI, MN, IA, IL, MO, AR, MS, AL, FL, TN, IN, MI, OH, PA, WV, VA, MD, NC, NY, NJ, CT, RI, VT, NH, ME, NS, PQ, ON
According to Marshall
(1), Florida has four species, the most of any state.
A florida and
A. argentata are restricted to the south, gulf states and CA,
A. aurantia and
A. trifasciata are widespread. See data tab for each species for illustration.
Argiope blanda is also listed for CA on the San Diego Museum of Natural History website, below.
A. appensa is found in Hawaii.
Print References
Florida's Fabulous Spiders
(1)
Howell and Jenkins, pages 154-159
(3)
