While I was sitting on the front porch, enjoying one of the milder summer days that we have had in South Carolina recently, Entomologist came running up to me exclaiming, "Mommie, grab your camera, you gotta see this!"

Well, it was still humid out, and I was not really in a picture taking mood, so I asked him what all the excitement was about. He explained to me that the largest spider we have ever seen is in our yard. Ok, I will take a look. There she was, as beautiful as I have ever seen an argiope spider, also known as a writing spider. Her entire body, including legs, must have been as large as the entire palm of my hand. Very delicate, and yet quite intimidating at the same time. "I'll be right back.", I replied. Entomologist started laughing and said, "See I knew you would want to take a picture." (he knows me well)

As we were gazing at her beauty, Entomologist noticed another argiope just inches away, and much smaller in size. We thought this was a baby, but once we looked up the information, we realized it was the male. Apparently its mating time. (I didn't tell Entomologist that, he's ONLY 6!)The female will lay between 400-1400 eggs in her egg sac, which she places in her web. The spiderlings will overwinter in the egg sac and emerge the following spring, only to start this wonderful cycle all over again. These beautiful spiders are harmless to humans, but oh so wonderfully entertaining....if you like to watch "bugs". (we do)


Hoping she sticks around for awhile, and that we are able to see her egg sac on her web soon.