Ask An Entomologist: Garden Variety
October 6th, 2007 by Kelley
Laura:
I have an interesting looking spider that has taken up residence on my front porch. I can’t seem to find any pictures that look like this one. The legs are not really spread out they are kinda like the St Andrews cross looking ones. I would love an answer as to what kind of spider this one is. Please reply…his days are numbered…he’s freakin my girls out…LOL.
Photo Credit: L. Orr.
Hello Laura,
Your resident spider, if he has survived your wrath, is a banded garden spider. They won’t harm you, so no worries for your girls.
I live in South Jersey and lately (Nov 2007) black beetles have been all over the yard. They are moving slowly as if just out of a hole in the ground. They have hard dull black shells and a couple of joints. Can you advise what they are. I have not been able to find a picture of one online and did not get one to post here. thanks