Spider identification help

[Cherry73]

Hello,

Could anyone help with a name for this spider? It has taken up residence(outside) in the corner of a first floor window of my boyfriend's house.
I have searched for black and yellow striped spider, but have been unable to find an image that matches the one below.
Many thanks in advance for your assistance.

Cherry

[nikolai_avenger]

Araneus diadematus, possibly. Lots of them about at this time of year. I also note from the picture information that body length is given as apprx 8cm, which is jolly big for any of our spiders, is it possible that you mean 8mm, which might be nearer the mark for the above mentioned species? Or do you mean 8cm including legs?

From this view Argiope bruennichi is another possibility depending whereabouts in the country you are. Is the spider striped black and yellow from the 'top down' view?

Best regards, Nik.

[Cherry73]

Hi Nik,

Many thanks for your reply. I've had a look at some images of the first spider you suggested, but I'm not sure that's the one.
Re the size, I haven't seen the spider in the flesh, only a photograph. I've queried the size and have been told it may not be 8cm but it is very large. The black and yellow stripes are very distinctive in the original photograph I was sent. I haven't seen a top down view, as the underneath of the spider is facing the window ans it's too high up to see from thw other side.
The photo was taken in Hook, North Hampshire. I've asked him to get a better idea of the size and the nearest estimate I have is 'about the size of a debit/credit card including legs.

Regards

Cherry

[GuyF]

Originally Posted by nikolai_avenger

From this view Argiope bruennichi is another possibility depending whereabouts in the country you are. Is the spider striped black and yellow from the 'top down' view?

Best regards, Nik.

Hi Cherry, welcome to the site!
I'd agree with Nik here, this is a female Argiope bruennichi, also known as the Wasp Spider. They are relatively recent colonists but are now found over much of the south. The location sounds quite odd though, I'm used to seeing them low down in long grass!
Guy

[Cherry73]

Hi Guy,

Thanks for your reply.
There's plenty of long grass nearby as the house backs on to fields. Yes, it's an unusual location. I thought she may have been caught and then dropped by a passing bird. I'm just hoping she doesn't make her way inside.
Regards

Cherry

[briar rose]

My first thought was also Wasp Spider, they are my favourite of all the Spiders that I've seen, and I think they're stunning

I went out looking for Wasp Spiders today, but didn't see any