Banded argiope
Images copyright by Mark A. Chappell
Many of the familiar orb-web weaving spiders are in the 'argiope' group, and this species (Argiope trifasciata) is one of the most common. It is a large, strikingly marked animal -- especially up close -- and (as shown at left) frequently sits in the center of its web. I found these spiders in Palo Alto, California.