banded Argiope spider

5769  Hello. This is in my garden. I would really like to know what it is!! I am terrified of them but I find this one intriguing. In the past 7 days its doubled in size. Hope you can help!!  Erin

This is Argiope trifasciata, an orb weaver known as the banded Argiope. It is quite common and very widespread, and like all other orb weavers, it is harmless to humans. See http://tinyurl.com/8sq4a9g for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.