Spiderlings on spurge - which spider?

loripo · #1 (**permalink**) 03-06-2010, 05:59 PM

I should keep a lens with me as I wasn't at all sure they weren't seeds, in spite of the webs. Couldn't see a large spider nearby. Will go back and see if I can get a better photo now that I can see the legs

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-06-2010, 06:02 PM

These are spiderlings of the common Garden Orb-web, Araneus diadematus. The mother is almost definitely an ex-spider by now!

loripo · #3 (**permalink**) 03-06-2010, 06:04 PM

My goodness that was quick - made me jump. Thanks - I will try for a better photo as I rather like those. Would the mother have gone over winter then?

John_M · #4 (**permalink**) 03-06-2010, 06:46 PM

The females die after laying their eggs.

loripo · #5 (**permalink**) 03-06-2010, 08:43 PM

I see - thanks. I realised later that of course the spurge has only recently regrown after the winter die back, so any eggs must have been deposited recently. I must have anothr look tomorrow.