Saturday, September 12, 2020

Saturday's Critters - Cross Spider

While I was out taking photos of my plants the other day, this little critter practically dropped into my face.  I quickly shifted focus to try and capture a few shots to join in with Eileen at Saturday's Critters.  I've been wanting to link up there for a long time but I never seem to find any critters that don't get away before I have my camera ready.

I couldn't really see the spider web until I downloaded the photos and I've changed the exposure a bit so that the spider web is more visible.

I'm not a spider expert but it looks like this one is called Araneus diadematus or a Cross Spider.  The cross spider is sandy brown to burnt orange with pale spots in a cross shape on its large abdomen.  The cross spider is an orb-web spider known for constructing enormous circular webs to catch prey like flies and mosquitoes. They inhabit gardens, hedgerows, meadows and woodlands, and are often found in rural areas of BC including buildings with exterior lighting. (Source Terminix Canada).

This spider and possibly other spiders have been spinning webs in the garden like crazy this summer and there have been various kinds of spiders in the house too.  I've seen a lot of cobwebs in the garden but this is the first time I've watched the spider in action.  I didn't disturb it but I've read that a female cross spider can lay 300 to 900 eggs.




These are a few photos from the garden using a new to me lens I borrowed just to try it out. I didn't get to experiment too much because the light faded rapidly as night fell.
Thank you for stopping by. Have a safe weekend.

10 comments:

Phil Slade said...

It's tricky y photograph spider webs. We have lots of spiders this year, maybe because of the warm wet summer.

Pamela M. Steiner said...

I've never seen a "Cross Spider". He is beautiful, as far as spiders go. I enjoy watching them, as long as I don't walk into their web or as long as they aren't in the house. Not a fan of spiders in the house...but they are so interesting in how they can build those intricate webs. Your flowers are so pretty. Glad you were able to share these photos!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

The flowers came out so vibrant and kind of dreamy...very nice! And that little spider is unique. You're busy taking interesting photos! Enjoy your weekend!

Joanne Noragon said...

I love orb spiders!

Red said...

Good for you for making an effort to identify the spider.

Small City Scenes said...

Cool spider
MB

shayndel said...

Hi Joyful! Welcome back!
Looking at the spider and the way it makes a web and all its colorings, I am amazed at God`s handiwork and His amazing intricate creation!!!
Your bright colorful photos of the flowers are really uplifting!
Blessings and Love from here in Japan♡

Rhodesia said...

Excellent photos of the spider, you have done well, I would so love a macro lens but...... Sorry I am behind with visits but the kitchen here has been working in overtime. So much in the garden. Take care, Diane

Jeanie said...

Well, he looks a bit formidable. But as spiders go, quite an attractive one! Love your beautiful blooms!

Annie said...

Wow.. you got some beautiful photos!! The spider looks like it enjoyed having a photo taken ;) Pretty colors even on the spider.

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