F LORA & FAUNA
GARDEN SPIDER
Argiope aurantia
After two growing seasons of profitable feeding , orb weaver spiders are much more noticeable in the fall due to their large size and webs . The common name for this colorful orb weaver is simply the garden spider . While large body size and vivid coloring might seem like a good way for the female to attract a mate , orb weavers have poor vision . Females attract males by producing pheromones that males can detect from a distance . The intricate webs they spin not only serve as traps for prey but also as communication tools , vibrating in specific ways to signal the presence of potential mates or threats .
BIG BROWN BAT
Eptesicus fuscus
The big brown bat is common throughout the state and is more likely to take advantage of an installed bat house . They are important pollinators , help keep our insect populations in check , and are valuable to agriculture for the same reason . To attract them to your home , plant for moths ( a bat ' s favorite morsel ) using overnight bloomers such as yucca and evening primrose ( Oenothera biennis ), along with those that bloom white , pale lavender , or yellow . Make sure you have native host plants for moths in your garden . In general , the more insects your garden provides , the more appealing it will be to bats .
82 • KIAWAH CONSERVANCY