Can anyone identify this spider?

Lisa72 · #1 (**permalink**) 26-10-2008, 12:39 PM

Hi there, found this spider on the door in my lounge two weeks ago.
My house has plenty of spiders but dont take interest in them. But this one really terrorfied me!
I was curious to find out the name of the spider and found someone brave enough to take a picture of the scary little fella! lol
Rest assured, he was captured and set free into the garden.
Can anyone help me identify him please?

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 26-10-2008, 12:41 PM

Hi Lisa

It's the Common Garden Spider - Araneus diadematus in a defensive position.

They are quite variablein shades of red-brown, but always have the markings along the abdomen.

dmclean2 · #3 (**permalink**) 26-10-2008, 01:49 PM

I'll second that ,
A. diadematus it is, sometimes called the Cross Spider because of the mark on it's back,
Duncan,

Venger · #4 (**permalink**) 26-10-2008, 02:30 PM

Where's the picture? I can't seem to find it?

Jason Green · #5 (**permalink**) 26-10-2008, 10:07 PM

Venger - I can, but I saw it earlier so it probably is still there due to my cache. It's an A. diadematus, two-tone brown striped legs, an interesting reddy-pink body colour with usual white abdomen details in an unusual yellow...

I checked the Image Gallery but it's gone - it was somehow externally linked to the WAB Gallery

Lisa72 · #6 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 02:11 PM

Hey guys,

Yes i googled the Araneus diadematus and it was exactly the same as my little friend.

Thanks for the replys and sorry that you cant see the picture, the reason for this is because i didnt upload the thumbnail and accidently uploaded an image to big.

Just wondering why and how he got in the house?

Heres hoping i dont find another one.

Kind regards.

Lisa

Lisa72 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 02:16 PM

Just uploaded the picture again for you guys

Jason Green · #8 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 04:32 PM

Thanks Lisa

BTW You don't have to upload a thumbnail, just upload an image big enough, say 640x480 or bigger, and the thumbnail will be sorted automatically.

As for his entry, he was probably just cold or curious... how far in was s/he?

naturegirl · #9 (**permalink**) 02-11-2008, 11:24 PM

Hi Lisa and a very warm welcome to WAB!!

These spiders are very common at this time of year. I have a completely black one who lives across my shed doorway that I call "Boris" !!!!!

Leave them alone and they will cause you no harm. They are not interested in us, we are not their prey and they will only attack us in self defence if they feel threatened.

I speak as one who reacts to stings/venom by going into anaphylactic shock if stung/bitten!!!!!

Naturegirl