A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to adopt THE GOLDEN SILK SPIDER AS THE OFFICIAL STATE SPIDER OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Whereas, the golden silk spider, Nephila clavipes (Linnaeus), is a common orb weaver found in North Carolina; and
Whereas, the golden silk spider is known for its golden colored silk, which is used to create a large, finely meshed, sticky web, often three feet in diameter, that is placed in insect flight paths on the edge of woodlands; and
Whereas, the golden silk spider bites only if held or pinched, which typically produces only localized pain; and
Whereas, the golden silk spider preys on a wide variety of small‑ to medium‑sized insects, including mosquitoes, flies, bees, wasps, moths, and butterflies; and
Whereas, golden silk spider females can grow up to three inches and are among the largest non‑tarantula‑like spiders in North America; and
Whereas, the female golden silk spider is easily recognized by its large, cylindrical orange and brown body with furry tufts on its legs, while the male version is much smaller and is dark brown in color; and
Whereas, golden silk spiders are most active during late summer and fall; and
Whereas, during late fall, mature females produce at least two large egg sacs with several hundred eggs surrounded by a basket of curly yellow silk; and
Whereas, adopting the golden silk spider as the official State spider of North Carolina would help bring about awareness of this magnificent creature; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 145 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 145‑49.  State spider.
The golden silk spider, Nephila clavipes (Linnaeus), is adopted as the official spider of the State of North Carolina."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.