Question
Insect
Sorry I sent u this yesterday but I must have forgot to attach the pic. It is on a Live Oak in Palm Beach Gardens Florida
AnswerSorry it took so long but with the help of a friend Florida Entomoligist. Thanks Tom!
Spiny orb-weaver, Gasteracantha cancriformis . The spiny orb-weaver spider is one of the most colorful and easily recognized spiders in Florida. The dorsum of the abdomen is usually white with black spots and large red spines on the margin. Females are 5 mm to 10 mm long and 10 mm to 14 mm wide. The webs typically contain tufts of silk, which may prevent birds from flying into them.
Insect predator.Spiny orb weavers are one of the many beneficial spiders we have, since it preys upon small pests that are present in crops and suburban areas. They help to control overpopulation of these insects. Spiny orb weavers are not dangerous and would easily be overlooked if not for their unique coloration.
Spiny orb weavers do not invade the indoors unless carried in while residing in a potted plant. Spiny orb weavers are not dangerous梩hey are beneficial animals. They should not be killed, if at all possible. Here is a web link to more infromation on this spider.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN324
