Spider's loving embrace

[PeterD]

At this time of the year, males are looking for females to mate with. It is a potentially dangerous time for the male and his approach must be tempered by caution.

I watched this pair for a few minutes but could not stay longer because of my dog. The male spider (on the left of these images) approached the female's web. He carefully moved along one strand towards the female and retreated when she saw him approach. There was a stand-off for a few seconds and the male approached again. This time the female did not move and the male felt encouraged. The male 'tested the female by touching her with outstretched legs.


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Again, the male retreated. He approached again and embraced the female.


Click here for larger image.

After this encounter, he scurried back to the edge of the web and I had to leave.......

I think these are M.segmentata.

[frits_b]

Nice pics! The spiders look more like Araneus diadematus to me.

[PeterD]

Originally Posted by frits_b

Nice pics! The spiders look more like Araneus diadematus to me.

Thank you frits for your kind comment and of course the ID correction
I know it is going to take a while to get my head around spiders.