Araneid Sp.
This spider is an orb weaver in the family Araneidae. Their common name comes from their characteristic web spinning behavior that results in a very stable web with concentric circles. Orb weavers are harmless to people and rarely bite in general. They are also known as garden spiders.
Order: Araneae
Family: Araneidae
Photograph: © 2007 RKD Peterson
Date of Photograph: 14 July 2007
Location: Montana, Gallatin Co. (45o29'52" N 110o59'13" N)