European Garden Spider

Araneus diadematus is known by many names including the common garden spider, European garden spider, cross orb-weaver, diadem spider, and cross spider. It inhabits Europe, Asia, and North America and is commonly found in woodland areas and all kinds of gardens. The spider comes in a variety of colorings from brown to light yellow and has brick-red and black highlights. It is easily identified by the large white dots which form a cross on their back. European garden spiders can grow up to 20 mm long. The females spin an orb shaped web. They are a docile spider and while their bite might leave a welt for a few days they are ultimately harmless to humans.