European Garden Spider
Araneus diadematus · Arachnid, Invertebrate, Cold-blooded, Wild
Animal Family
Family Araneidae, order Araneae, class Arachnida
Animal Category
Insect/Arthropod
Breed / Variety
Cross orb-weaver / Diadem spider
Conservation Status
Least Concern, highly abundant and widespread population trend, stable.
About This Creature
Medium to large orb-weaver spider. Females range from 6.5 to 20 mm, males from 5.5 to 13 mm. Easily identifiable by the distinct cross-like pattern of white spots on its dorsal abdomen.
Physical Characteristics
Bulbous abdomen with a notable cross marking formed by white spots and lines. Ground color varies from light yellow to dark grey or brown. Eight legs with banded patterns and fine bristles, highly adapted for spinning intricate orb webs.
Behavior & Temperament
Solitary, nocturnal or diurnal web-builders sitting head-down in the center of the web. Non-aggressive, though can bite if trapped against skin, but venom is weak and harmless to humans.
Habitat & Diet
Origin Region
Native to Europe and parts of North America
Habitat
Gardens, woodlands, meadows, and around human habitations. Terrestrial/arboreal web-weaver.
Diet & Nutrition
Carnivorous. Feeds primarily on flying insects caught in its orb-web, such as flies, bees, wasps, and butterflies.
Lifespan & Health
Typically lives for one year, completing its life cycle in a single season. Females lay eggs in a cocoon in autumn and die before winter.
Special Characteristics
Famous for creating highly symmetrical orb webs and consuming and recycling its own web daily to conserve protein. Harmless to humans.
Ecological Information
Acts as an effective natural pest control agent by managing flying insect populations and serving as prey for birds and small mammals.