Silver Argiope

Silver Argiopes (Argiope argentata). This spider is one of nature's many pest control agents. Its appetite for insects results in its keeping many burgeoning insect populations in check. As a group, orb-weaving spiders consume many tonnes of insects every year. You can find silver argiopes among shrubbery, tall plants and flowers in meadows and gardens. They weave a distinctive zigzag pattern within their web - an easy way to identify the presence of this particular species. They are not considered dangerous to humans although like all spiders can bite.