Spider for ID

Dawn01 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-09-2010, 03:58 PM

Found this spider in the garden this afternoon, havn't seen one like it before and can't find an id for it, can someone help please?

nikolai_avenger · #2 (**permalink**) 08-09-2010, 04:02 PM

I will take a punt on Araneus Diadamatus, a.k.a. garden spider, common orb weaver, etc.

John_M · #3 (**permalink**) 08-09-2010, 07:27 PM

Looks like a male Araneus diadematus.

Dawn01 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-09-2010, 05:45 PM

Thanks for that. Obviously the females are everywhere, and instantly recognisable, but I didn't realise that the males were such a different shape.

John_M · #5 (**permalink**) 09-09-2010, 06:49 PM

Male spiders are generally smaller than females, and the abdomens tend to be proportionately smaller too, although this doesn't hold for all species. The main diagnostic features are that male spiders have swollen ends to the palps, whereas females don't, but this can be difficult to discern in juveniles. Often male spiders have longer legs in comparison to body size.

I Love Nature · #6 (**permalink**) 18-09-2010, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dawn01

Found this spider in the garden this afternoon, havn't seen one like it before and can't find an id for it, can someone help please?

Definately a Garden Spider. Largest of the British Orb Weavers. Hey have any of you ever seen a spiny orb weaver. They live in hot climates. They are tiny and not poisonous but really cool to look at.