A web decoration or stabilimentum is a conspicuous silk structure included in the webs of some species of orb-web spider. Its function is a subject of debate.
Argiope keyserlingi is a common species of orb-web spider found on the east coast of Australia, from central New South Wales to northern Queensland.
It is very similar in appearance to the closely related north Queensland species, Argiope aetherea. A. keyserlingi is commonly found in large populations in suburban parks and gardens, particularly amongst the leaves of Lomandra longifolia. Like many species of orb-web spider, A. keyserlingi shows considerable sexual size dimorphism, with the females being many times larger than the males. Mature females can be seen during the summer months and it is not uncommon to see multiple males on the web of one female.
Argiope aetherea is a common, large orb-web spider. Like other species of Argiope, it is commonly known as the St Andrew's Cross spider, due to the characteristic cross-shaped web decorations female spiders often include in their webs. A. aetherea is similar in appearance to A. keyserlingi, however female A. aetherea are generally larger than A. keyserlingi. Like most orb-web spiders, A. aetherea shows considerable sexual size dimorphism, with females being many times larger than males.
Argiope mascordi is a species of orb-web spider found in Queensland, Australia. The females of this species are smaller and less colourful than many other spiders in the genus Argiope. Males are larger than many other Argiope. Web decorations in this species are interesting in that A. mascordi juveniles construct a cross and adults construct a disc. The reason for this apparent reversal in decorating behaviour remains unknown.
Argiope bruennichi is a species of orb-web spider distributed throughout central Europe, northern Europe, north Africa, parts of Asia, the Azores archipelago, as well as recent sightings in North American states such as North Carolina and Ohio. Like many other members of the genus Argiope,, it shows striking yellow and black markings on its abdomen.
The spider species Argiope aurantia is commonly known as the yellow garden spider, black and yellow garden spider, golden garden spider, writing spider, zigzag spider, corn spider, or McKinley spider. It is common to the contiguous United States, Hawaii, southern Canada, Mexico, and Central America. It has distinctive yellow and black markings on the abdomen and a mostly white cephalothorax. Its scientific Latin name translates to "gilded silver-face". Males range from 5–9 mm (0.20–0.35 in); females range from 19–28 mm (0.75–1.10 in). These spiders may bite if disturbed or harassed, but the venom is harmless to non-allergic humans, roughly equivalent to a bumblebee sting in intensity.
Argiope appensa is a spider that occurs on several islands in the western Pacific Ocean. It has been introduced to Hawaii, and is found from Taiwan to New Guinea. It inhabits a wide variety of habitats, from coasts to forests.
Argiope argentata is a species of spider in the family Araneidae (orb-weavers), found from the United States south to Chile and Argentina. It is a member of the genus Argiope and is commonly known as the silver argiope.
Argiope trifasciata is a species of spiders found around the world. It can be found in certain areas of Europe, namely the Iberian Peninsula, the Canary Islands, and Madeira, as well as in North America. The similar looking Argiope bruennichi is common in the Azores. Considered a pest in some areas, they typically begin to appear during autumn from early September to late October as temperatures start dropping.
Argiope protensa is a species of the spider genus Argiope known by the common names longtailed orb-weaving spider or tear drop spider.
It is found in Australia and New Zealand.
Argiope anasuja, is a species of harmless orb-weaver spider found from the Seychelles to India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, and in the Maldives.
Argiope lobata is a species of spider belonging to the family Araneidae. It has a wide distribution encompassing the whole of Africa and stretching to southern Europe and into Asia.
Argiope catenulata, also known as the grass cross spider, is a species of Orb-weaver spiders ranging from India to the Philippines to Papua New Guinea. Like other species of the same genus, it builds a web with a zig-zag stabilimentum.
Argiope aemula, commonly known as Oval St Andrew's Cross Spider, is a species of spider in the family Araneidae, found from India, Sri Lanka to the Philippines, in Sulawesi and in the New Hebrides. It is one of the species of giant conspicuous "signature spiders" of the genus Argiope, seen in tropical and subtropical grasslands.
Argiope taprobanica is a species of spider of the genus Argiope. It is endemic to Sri Lanka.
Argiope magnifica is a species of orb web spider found in tropical areas of north-east Queensland, Australia, eastern Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. It is commonly known as the magnificent St Andrew's cross spider. This species is similar in size to the sympatric Argiope keyserlingi; females can be distinguished from those of A. keyserlingi via extensive differences in abdominal colouration and patterns. The males of these two species are almost indistinguishable.
Argiope florida, known generally as the Florida argiope or Florida garden spider, is a species of orb weaver in the family of spiders known as Araneidae. It is found in the United States.
Argiope blanda is a species of orb weaver in the family of spiders known as Araneidae. It is found in a range from the United States to Costa Rica.
