Summary for Araneus diadematus (Araneae)

previous species | next species

National Distribution

Logged-on? click on dot to query records. Please note our
Terms of Use. Double-click on map to go to region

Submit records using our Scheme Page

Identification difficulty rating: 1

Name: Araneus diadematus

Authority: Clerck, 1757

Order: Arachnida: Araneae

Family: Araneidae

Records: 10528

First Record: 1800

Latest Record: 2013

1992-on hectads: 1274

Pre-1992 hectads: 939

Total hectads: 1607

Explore Regional Distribution

View notes or log on and add a note on this species

Missing records?

About this species

Distribution
The species is widespread in most of Britain. It is widespread in western and central Europe.

Habitat and cology
A large and distinctively marked spider found in a wide range of habitats wherever the habitat can provide supports for its large and conspicuous orb web, such as all types of woodland, scrub and other vegetation, hedgerows and roadside verges, buildings (sometimes inside) and gardens, as well as heathland, quarries and cliff-faces. It spins large orb webs up to 40 cm across at heights of between 1.5 m and 2.5 m (Jones 1983) in shrubs and tall herbaceous vegetation. Both sexes are mature in late summer and autumn, females surviving through to late autumn. It takes two years for the young spiderlings to reach maturity in Britain, and immatures may be found throughout the year.

Status
Common.

Original authors of profile: P. Lee and T. Thomas

Text based on Harvey, P.R., Nellist, D.R. & Telfer, M.G. (eds) 2002. Provisional atlas of British spiders (Arachnida, Araneae), Volumes 1 & 2. Huntingdon: Biological Records Centre. References