Argiope aurantia

The beautiful Black-and-Yellow Argiope (Garden Spider) is one of the most conspicuous and
familiar orbweavers in North America. It ranges from Canada to Costa Rica.

The bright silk zigzag structure seen in webs
of the Argiopes might serve as an insect
attractor. It might also deter birds
from flying into the web. It is
called a "stabilimentum."

mature female in her web attached to a house in Michigan