Argiope bruennichi is a large unmistakable species strikingly marked with yellow and black stripes (hence its common name of 'wasp' spider). It was first recorded from the Fal Estuary in 1965. Since then it has turned up in several locations between August and October and is undoubtedly spreading. Argiope bruennichi should be looked for in rough grassland where it spins a large orb web.
     I have been shown a photograph (taken on a mobile phone!) of a specimen undoubtedly of this species seen 'near Penzance' in Autumn 2004 (not mapped). The most recent record is from a garden in Redruth where a female was first observed on 5 September 2005. It was seen daily until 22 September when it constructed an egg sac and subsequently disappeared.

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