Saw this guy and just had to take a picture of him. Click on the image for the sooc.

I. DID. NOT. NEED. TO. SEE. THIS. lol.

But it's too late now isn't it? I could spot the spider right away without clicking on it for the larger view.
I have never seen a spider look anything like that though.
What country are you in that has spiders looking like that? Good colorful photo though lylejk !

What is this zigzag lylejk ?

eeek!

googled garden spider...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argiope_aurantia

Lyle must be in Europe.
My Wife didn't need to see that either.

I believe that is the webbing (zigzags).
Nice photo though Lyle.

Alabama Barbie; I was told, many years ago, that they called this a banana spider but I couldn't tell you otherwise but thanks to 2-ton, I do know the name now (told wrong of course). lol

They are, for the most part, benign. They do make the most elaborate webs that I've ever seen. If this one would have done it's deed in a tree or house corner, the web would have been huge. I usually don't like spiders, but I always like these spiders and they've been in my yard for decades now and I've never been bit. lol

As Rod said, the zigzags is what this spider does and believe it hides behind them. I did purturb the guy while taking the picture so he did move from his original point.

I've always wondered about the zigzag, the stabilimentum, myself. I learned a new word. I'm sure I'll remember it. I've never seen those variations. It's interesting they aren't really sure what their purpose is. Maybe the spider will tell us one day.

I was once told that Banana spiders could be quite dangerous. I haven't really looked into it.

Eeeeeu, what is that thang hanging down from it. That must have been a good camera to take a shot of that web so clear like that.
I think I will detour around Alabama the next time through.