common garden spider

[dunlin]

Hi all
I took these pictures this morning at work. I dont mean to offend the spider lovers but i just cant bring myself to like them, they give me the creeps.
They look even creepier close up
Correct me if im wrong i think its a common garden spider.
regards mark...

[Deer Stalker]

Yep, Common Garden Spider Araneus diadematus.

[naturegirl]

If you cannot like the actual spiders then maybe you can appreciate their beautiful markings with all their intricate patterns and their lovely webs?

I have always been scared witless by spiders but since I've been on this site and spoken to the many spider experts on here, I've actually come to love spiders in all their diversity!

I now actually look at spiders and their webs in the (remote) hope that I can tell species at least!

I know that spiders are actually more scared of us than we of them, truly!

I have empty cotton bud pots in every room and if I feel that a spider is somewhat larger than I am happy with, then I simply, gently, capture it in a pot and re-locate it outside.

If I can do it then you SURELY can!!!

Naturegirl

[Lesinlondon]

I unknowingly collected one of these on Saturday while in some long grass. I noticed it on my shoulder and could feel some silk threads around my neck! I remained calm and coaxed it on to my finger, placing it back in the grass.

They certainly are beautiful!

Les

[Ollie]

I wouldn't say they are the prettiest of creatures, but they are certainly fascinating insects. Such diversity in size, colour and behaviour. Seen close up they are actually quite likeable things in my opinion.

Here's one I took the other day
Roger

[Venger]

Not insects Roger, they have 8 legs

[galanthus]

Originally Posted by Venger

Not insects Roger, they have 8 legs

......... and a fairly nasty bite Still, I think of you when I am overwhelmed with terror and disgust Venger and try to appreciate them for their finer qualities.... cannibalism etc lol.

[Ollie]

Originally Posted by Venger

Not insects Roger, they have 8 legs

You are quite right Venger, I probably should have used the term Arachnida They are not creatures that I know much about but as I said I do find them fascinating and should take the time to learn at least a little more about them.
Roger

[Dutchess]

Originally Posted by Lesinlondon

I unknowingly collected one of these on Saturday while in some long grass. I noticed it on my shoulder and could feel some silk threads around my neck! I remained calm and coaxed it on to my finger, placing it back in the grass.

They certainly are beautiful!

Les

It's that time of year, isn't it? I keep animals in my garden which often involves a night-time trip outside. I sometimes feel the web and know there must be a spider there somewhere.... I like them and will pick them up, even the biggies, but I don't really want to come back inside with a garden spider in my hair!

D.

[Meta menardi]

Originally Posted by galanthus

......... and a fairly nasty bite Still, I think of you when I am overwhelmed with terror and disgust Venger and try to appreciate them for their finer qualities.... cannibalism etc lol.

Nasty bite? For insects, yes, for humans, no.

Try to think of them as diverse and beautiful as birds, but less liable to fly away before you can work out what they are.