id difficulty for Araneus diadematus

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Identification difficulty rating=1
Can be identified at sight in the field by anyone with a bit of experience. Species with which the beginner rapidly becomes familiar. Usually identifiable from a photo.  Records acceptable from most sources.

Notes
A very variable spider in terms of colour, prominence of abdominal pattern and even shape.

See also:

Males and females may present different identification difficulty in spiders. These identification ratings are based on the most difficult identification. New species may become recognised or become part of the British fauna e.g. from Europe, so identification should be made with the awareness that this is a possibility and that confirmation may be needed in the form of a voucher specimen.