Question

In South Texas during winter, a spider-like creature, black and gold in color and approximately the size of a dime, was observed constructing a green sack-like web that adhered to a windshield. Which of the following spider species could potentially match this description?

A) Black Widow (Latrodectus spp.)
B) Golden Silk Orb-weaver (Nephila spp.)
C) Brown Recluse (Loxosceles spp.)
D) Garden Orb-weaver (Eriophora transmarina)

Answer 1

The spider species that matches the description is the Golden Silk Orb-weaver (Nephila spp.). It is known for its large, circular webs that are green in color. So, the correct answer is option b.

Step-by-step explanation:

The spider species that could potentially match the description of being black and gold in color and approximately the size of a dime, constructing a green sack-like web that adhered to a windshield in South Texas during winter is the Golden Silk Orb-weaver (Nephila spp.).

The Golden Silk Orb-weaver is known for building large, circular webs that can be vibrant green in color. They are commonly found in warm regions, including South Texas, and their coloration includes black and gold. The size of a dime is also within the range of their average size.

Additionally, the other spider species mentioned in the options do not match the given description. The Black Widow is known for its black color, not black and gold. Both the Brown Recluse and Garden Orb-weaver do not typically construct sack-like webs, and the Garden Orb-weaver is not known to adhere its web to windshields.

So, the correct answer is option b.