Argiope aurantia, is one of three local species of argiope orb weavers. The female golden garden spider measures 0.67 inches (17 mm). Its abdomen has two anterior bumps; the top is black with large yellow spots or patches; the carapace is silvery to yellowish-white with brown markings; the sternum is black with white stripe down the middle. The smaller male measures 0.24 inches (6 mm). The top of the abdomen is black with a pair of light stripes running lengthwise; the carapace is brownish with white setae. (SDNHM)