odd Argiope? - Argiope aurantia

Yes indeed...

this is an unusual A. aurantia. I've never seen one with these colors either. Juveniles are often very light colored, but this doesn't appear to be a juvenile. It reminds me of the light, bandless variations of A. trifasciata. You can see images of these here on bugguide. This is an excellent find!

… Don Cadle, 31 August, 2006 - 3:42pm

bandless trifasciata

a bandless trifasciata makes more sence. the habitat (field/sparce shrubs) it was in is was what i typically find trifasciata in down in the foot hills, aurantia is usually aroudn the water here. your correct it was adult sized thanx

… Mike "troll" Dame, 31 August, 2006 - 5:10pm

A. aurantia

This is definately an A. aurantia. Notice the two pointed humps along the anterior dorsal edge of the abdomen. These are not present on trifasciata. I was only making a comparison to that variation of trifasciata with this variation of aurantia. It seems to have retained its juvenile colors. Also, the pattern on this one's abdomen is like that of an aurantia.

… Don Cadle, 31 August, 2006 - 5:34pm

ahh

ok i get it now:) ya i was just noticing they wernt like that (humped) in the trifasciata pics on here and started wonderign about hybrids etc... silly me

… Mike "troll" Dame, 31 August, 2006 - 5:53pm