First Araneus diadematus

[nikolai_avenger]

Not had many spiders yet so far, but I have noticed the first araneus diadematus of the year in my garden this morning, two very small black-and-grey-coloured specimens on my minature leylandii.

It would be interesting to hear from anyone else on the first occurrence of this species this year.

Cheers. Nik.

[RobAtkinson1]

The only orb weaver that I have seen is what I believe to be Nuctenea umbratica.

[frits_b]

A. diadematus spiderlings are bright yellow with black markings, usually I see them in the garden somewhere in April.

Maybe your spiders are juvenile Zygiella's? I do have those in my garden currently.

[Geoff F]

Or maybe Meta mengei.

[UB4 gardener]

A. diadematus I have had quite a few, some bigger than what i would call spiderlings, showing adult pattern already. I'd say possibly full grown zilla diodia have been around too, not sure if they hibernated or not.
Chris

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by UB4 gardener

A. diadematus I have had quite a few, some bigger than what i would call spiderlings, showing adult pattern already. I'd say possibly full grown zilla diodia have been around too, not sure if they hibernated or not.
Chris

I've also seen some A. diadematus similar to yours + not tiny spiderlings.

[nikolai_avenger]

Morning..

We do usually get a few A. diadematus spiderlings come in with the washing around this time of year, but I definitely have some A. diadematus with adult markings; they are small, maybe 5-6 mm maximum, all the same colour, on the same plant.

Nothing in the way of Zygiella yet, or much else for that matter.

Thanks for the other suggestions, however. Always good to keep an open mind.

Cheers. Nik.

[Africa]

There are quite a few good size Araneus (7 mm or so body) in the garden these days and on the 4th of March I photographed a 1 mm size A. diadematus in the outside wall of the house, with a fresh web and hiding place under a wooden plank. This is not the first year that I find clear evidence of overwintering survival in Araneus. This year is more surprising given the very cold temperatures we've had.

[RobAtkinson1]

I've just seen my first one this year. She looks so tiny in her web.