Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What insect is this? > General/curiosity insects > Insect relatives 1 inch and larger > Black and yellow argiope

Black and yellow argiope

Argiope aurantia

Alex Field

Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension

Description: 1 inch long. Egg-shaped abdomen that is yellow or orange on a black background. Long, black legs with either red or yellow bands. The carapace (part of the head) is covered with whitish hairs.

Where/When: Found in fields, prairies, and gardens in large, flat webs in late summer and early fall.

Significance: Beneficial as a predator on other insects. Does not harm people.

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