One of our largest spiders, the Golden Silk Orbweaver is common in Southeastern North Carolina and further south all the way to South America. Also known as Banana Spider, they are incredibly huge and scary looking, but not at all dangerous (unless you're an insect).

Columbus Co., NC 9/28/2013.

Columbus Co., NC 9/28/2013.

Note the furry "knuckles" for extra creepiness.

Fort Fisher, New Hanover Co., NC 8/29/09.

The name Banana Spider presumably comes from their banana-like shape, though they are also common in banana-growing areas of Central and South America.

Fort Fisher, New Hanover Co., NC 8/29/09.

Fort Fisher, New Hanover Co., NC 8/30/08