<P> The spider species Argiope aurantia is commonly known as the yellow garden spider , black and yellow garden spider , golden garden spider , writing 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 '' ( the genus name Argiope meaning `` silver - face '' , while the specific epithet aurantia means `` gilded '' ) . 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 seemingly harmless to humans . </P>
<P> The spider species Argiope aurantia is commonly known as the yellow garden spider , black and yellow garden spider , golden garden spider , writing 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 '' ( the genus name Argiope meaning `` silver - face '' , while the specific epithet aurantia means `` gilded '' ) . 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 seemingly harmless to humans . </P>
what kind of spider has a bright yellow back
what kind of spider has a bright yellow back
Argiope aurantia
Argiope aurantia