Golden silk orb-weaver (banana spider)

Warm, humid areas of the southeastern United States, Central America, and the Caribbean; builds large webs among trees and shrubs.

Catches and eats flying insects, including flies, moths, and mosquitoes.

Females spin large, golden-hued orb webs; males often live near females. The spider is generally nonaggressive and most active in warm seasons.

Its bite is uncommon and usually causes only mild, temporary pain. It helps control insect populations and is not considered medically dangerous.