Hi, A male argiope spider has built a web across the trash can in my garden shed. I want to move it because I'm afraid it will get killed; someone will unintentionally pitch something into the can before realizing the web contains an argiope. Is it possible to put a stick or broom into the web and move it outdoors to the garden? Thanks in advance! Any reply would be greatly appreciated! moderator's note: removed website link, see point 1.1 of usage rules moderator's note: added a more descriptive title to topic
did a little reading up for you: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argiope_%28spider%29 It seems they're not poisonous and super to have around. I always had them around at my parents ranch and loved them. Should be safe to move, maybe in a glass and let it lose in the garden? Check if it has an egg sac maybe and set it close by momma? I've never relocated one before, so it's just suggestion. I'm all for helping your little buddy out by moving him.
I've moved them and they seem to do just fine, and quickly rebuild their webs. Sometimes I just take one of their anchor lines and move it so the web is out of the way. Other times I just catch them up in a towel and quickly take them to a relocation spot. Seems every spring at least one batch of newly emerging spiderlings has to be moved to a safer location.
We always have argiopes in the wrong spots! They seem to pick the worst possible sites to string their zig-zag webs. Just pick him/her up on a big leaf, old rag, trowel, whatever is handy and put the spider down where you want it. They are amazingly calm about the whole process. Argiopes are called "Gardeners' Friends" for a good reason. Great little bug catchers!
