mbahr5's Identifications

On the edge of the paved greenway next to the riparian buffer, camouflaged among fallen leaves. Almost stepped on her/him. Encouraged off the greenway onto the adjacent veg. Not sure if s/he was “crossing” the greenway or just basking on the pavement.

Yellow Garden Spider - Argiope aurantia (female)
Location: Durham NC (USA)
Series from a spider that build a web next to my front door, providing a nice clean, background.
It was actually up for Halloween--rather late for this species. Children coming to the door thought it was a decoration--a few tried to touch it, but then were shocked when it moved rapidly in its web--thus some comedy.
I had actually relocated this spider from the porch to my garden at one point, but it came right back. Who knew spiders could travel back to their home? (It was about 20 feet--8 meters.)