The big, beautiful genus of Nephila spiders is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, and this one (N. clavipes) is found in the southeastern US.   They build huge, strong webs that can catch large insects and -- by reputation -- even small birds.   These are often strung across open areas, such as paths and trails, and it can be a bit distressing to run into one at face level.   As seen here, they spend much of their time hanging in their webs, waiting for prey.   These were living in a preserved stand of pines and palmettos near Venus, Florida; it was a royal pain to photograph them because strong breezes made them wave around almost continually.