Orb Weaver spider

5728  This spider was found on a outdoor deck at Christina Lake in southern B.C. on the 28th of June on a hot afternoon in the shade. It was aproximately 2 inches long. Thanks for help with I.D. Is it poisonous? We have babies and young children. Should we worry?

– This is an orb weaving spider in the genus Araneus. Like the vast majority of spiders, it has venom glands and thus technically is venomous, but all orb weavers are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.