Black and Yellow Garden Spider (Argiope aurantia)

The *Black and Yellow Garden Spider (Argiope aurantia)* is common in the the lower 48 States and is often seen during late summer in many different habitats. The one on the right had a web between two strands of barbed wire fence and has captured two dragonflies. This shot was taken in Guadalupe Co., Texas, in July, 2003, with a Canon EOS 10D and an EF 70-200mm F/2.8 L IS lens and 2X extender. This species is sometimes called Writing Spider because of the web it builds or Corn Spider because it may be common in corn fields.
The spider in the next two shots was in Austin, Travis Co., Texas, in August, 2007. These shots were taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and an EF 300mm F/4 L IS lens and 2X extender.

The Black and Yellow Garden Spider on the right has captured a dragonfly known as Eastern Pondhawk. This image was taken in Austin, Travis Co., Texas, in September, 2007, with the same photo gear as the previous images.
The next two shots, also from Austin, Travis Co., Texas, were taken in July, 2010, with a Canon EOS 1D Mark IV and an EF 300mm F/4 L IS lens.

The spider on the right has captured a Macromia species dragonfly. This shot wa staken in Gonzales, Gonzales Co., Texas, in August, 2010, with a Canon EOS 1D Mark IV and a Sigma 50-500mm lens.
On the right is another shot from Austin, Texas, in August, 2010.
Garden Spider Argiope species wrapping up a grasshopper Hornsby Bend, Austin, Travis Co., Texas 1 November 2013
Garden Spider Argiope species wrapping up a grasshopper Hornsby Bend, Austin, Travis Co., Texas 1 November 2013
Garden Spider Argiope species wrapping up a grasshopper Hornsby Bend, Austin, Travis Co., Texas 1 November 2013