Spiny Orbweaver Spider: Harmless Halloween Look-Alike

The striking spider with a hard, spiny abdomen is the spiny orbweaver (Gasteracantha cancriformis). Despite its fierce appearance, it's harmless to humans. Like all spiders, it's venomous (not poisonous), but its venom poses no threat to people.

These spiders are beneficial predators in the garden. Later in summer, watch for the large yellow-and-black garden spider (argiope), another impressive but harmless species.