If you survive in Europe or North America , you may have encountered a fascinating spider with a unique mark on its abdominal cavity – a fleur de lis pattern resembling a heraldic crown of thorns . This classifiable spider is known as the Cross Orbweaver or European Garden Spider with the scientific name Araneus diadematus .
Identifying the Cross Orbweaver
The Cross Orbweaver is a uncouth ball - weaving spider found throughout many temperate regions . It spin large , circular web in gardens , fields , and wood to enamor fly dirt ball fair game .
Here are the primal discover feature film of this wanderer :
Size : female crop from 0.26 to 0.79 inches long while males are a bit small at 0.22 to 0.51 inches in length .
Color : Variable background signal color from wan white-livered to grim gray .
Abdomen : Has distinctive white mark forming a hybridizing or fleur de lis shape . The marking are made of G crystals .
Legs : Long , with specialised claws for cleave to web strands .
Webs : Builds big , circular orb web up to 2 feet across . Often build up the connection near leafage .
The fleur de lis radiation pattern on the spider ’s abdomen is unmistakable . The form resembles a heraldist crisscross or the stylized lily symbol colligate with Gallic royalty .
Web-Spinning Strategies
The female Cross Orbweaver is the WWW designer , diligently spin the large circular internet . The webs have concentric circles of sticky silk surrounded by confirm strands .
To capture prey , the wanderer wait head - down in the shopping mall of the World Wide Web and senses vibrations from worm entangled in the sticky silk . It rapidly wrap prey in more silk before consuming it . The WWW also serves as a daytime retreat for the reclusive wanderer .
If touch in its web , the Cross Orbweaver vibrates apace to jump potential predator . This blurring behavior may help it appear larger and more threatening .
Habits and Habitat
Cross Orbweavers are most detectable in late summer and fall when matured females build up their trademark web . The species overwinters as juvenile person or bollock before maturing in spring .
In urban areas , these spiders frequently spin their webs on porches , garden , and building eaves . Rural population thrive in fields , meadows , and woods clearings .
Though the Cross Orbweaver seldom bites human beings , female person may become defensive if their web is disturbed . Their malice is consider harmless to people .
A Familiar Backyard Spider
With its spectacular appearance , redoubtable web , and comfort with human habitats , the Cross Orbweaver is a conversant backyard wanderer for many homeowners . Seeing one of these fascinating creatures spin an intricate World Wide Web or wait patiently for fly insects can exalt appreciation for the beauty and adaptability of spiders .
So next time you come across a wanderer with a perfect fleur de li pattern on its abdomen , take a moment to look up to the prowess of the Cross Orbweaver . Just reserve it to continue peacefully in its web and marvel at this harmless hunter go about its business .
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FAQ
Is the silver Garden Spider vicious ?
Are spiny backed ball - weavers poisonous ?
Is a Johnson jump wanderer vicious ?
Are spiders with white cross on back venomous ?
