Cross Orbweaver
Araneus diadematus
This record describes Araneus diadematus (species). Recorded family: Araneidae. Recorded order: Araneae.
Identification and Appearance
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Terms from the source record, grouped for readability. Broad terms such as size or location are not measurements or a confirmed range.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is widespread in gardens, woodland and meadows.
Seasonal Activity
It is particularly noticeable in late summer to autumn when numbers peak and the large orb webs can be highlighted by dew.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This spider is mature from summer to autumn and is usually at its largest in late autumn when it is at its oldest and often full of eggs. After laying their eggs the females die and only the eggs and the spiders that hatched in the spring of the year will overwinter.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Extremely common and widespread in Britain.
About Spiders: the wider group
Order-level background for Araneae, the group containing Araneus diadematus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
As of 2023, 51,673 spider species in 136 families have been recorded, though an estimated 150,000 species exist. Spiders rank 7th in total species diversity among all organism orders. Only 0.5% of spider species pose any risk to human health.
Ecological role of the group
Spider venom contains complex peptides with diverse pharmacological activities, making them valuable for drug development research. Spiders produce up to 7 types of silk from specialized glands. Spider silk genes have been inserted into mammals and plants for biotech applications.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The global spider community kills an estimated 400-800 million tons of prey annually (2017 study). Spiders provide billions of dollars in natural pest control for agriculture. Spider silk is 5× stronger than steel of the same diameter, driving a biomaterials research industry.
Recorded sources for this group: World Spider Catalog, PNAS, Nature, ScienceDirect. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Cross Orbweaver (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cross Orbweaver
How big is Cross Orbweaver?
6mm to 20mm (0.23" to 0.78")
Where is Cross Orbweaver found?
Habitat: It is widespread in gardens, woodland and meadows.
When is Cross Orbweaver active?
Cross Orbweaver: seasonal activity - It is particularly noticeable in late summer to autumn when numbers peak and the large orb webs can be highlighted by dew..
What is the life cycle of a Cross Orbweaver?
This spider is mature from summer to autumn and is usually at its largest in late autumn when it is at its oldest and often full of eggs. After laying their eggs the females die and only the eggs and the spiders that hatched in the spring of the year will overwinter.