Banana Spider
Nephilidae clavipes
The golden silk orb weaver, also known as the North American banana spider, is a colorful dramatic spider seen throughout the world. The species we will cover specifically, and the only one seen in North and Central America is nephila clavipes. The golden silk orb weaver is the official banana spider of North America. Some people have chosen to call the argiope garden spider a banana spider, however this is incorrect. It should also be noted that the Brazilian wandering spider (genus phoneutria) has been labeled 'banana spider'.
Identification Guide
- Primary Colors: The banana spider has varying colors of red, orange, brown, white, and black. The abdomen is usually orange with white spots formed in a near symmetrical pattern.
- Body Characteristics: Overall, the banana spider's body is very large, around 1 to 1.5 inches. The male is very small in comparison, usually 1/5th the size. It is considered one of the largest non-tarantula spiders in North America. The abdomen on a banana spider is a great identifying characteristic. It is long and narrow, often curved like a banana. It is usually reddish brown, and will be covered in white spots. The head is usually gray or white, and can appear to be textured.
- Legs: The legs of a banana spider are very cool! They are quite smooth and hairless, except for the tufts of black spines that appear just before their leg joints. Each of the four front legs usually have two groupings of spines. The two back legs usually have one band of spines each. Also, colored stripes are usually present on the legs. The colors range from a lighter color to a darker color, most often appearing as yellow and red stripes.
- Markings: It is clear that markings are not one of the most important identifying characteristics for the banana spider. Body shape and leg appearance are definitely what to look for. The only significant markings are the white spots speckled all over the abdomen. You will often notice pairs of larger white spots running symmetrically down the center.
- Geographic Location: Found in the southeastern United States, from Texas to North Carolina, usually near the coast. Florida seems to be the most popular state to find the banana spider.
- What to remember: The body shape and legs on this spider are very unique, and not similar to many other common spiders. The banana spider does have some similarities to spiders in the genus argiope, however not enough to cause confusion when making a proper identification.
