It Appears that Golden Silk (Banana) Spiders Do Not Like to be Rocked Like a Hurricane
The Golden Silk Spider, or as it is sometimes known, the Banana Spider, is the second largest spider in North America (only the trantuala is larger). You'll find them from Florida up through the Carolinas. This particular one was resting in its large beautiful web in Alabama. The Banana Spider is fairly docile and spends the majority of its time weaving huge orb shaped webs.
During Hurricane Irene, my Mom called to advise me that her friendly Banana Spider (who was soon to be a mom herself) packed up and moved right before the hurricane headed their way. Interestingly, my Mom's observation and the Banana Spider's behavior appear to be more than coincidence. At the website for the Shady Grove Training Center in Ocala, Florida, the folks at the Training Center also note the Banana Spider's ability to warn of hurricanes. Please visit the following link for their experiences. http://www.eqeq.com/Wildlife/Golden%20Silk%20Spiders%20and%20Hurricane%20Warnings%20043007_files/frame.htm
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