Summary for Araneus diadematus (Araneae)

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National Distribution

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Identification difficulty rating: 1

Name: Araneus diadematus

Authority: Clerck, 1757

Order: Arachnida: Araneae

Family: Araneidae

Records: 12352

First Record: 1800

Latest Record: 2017

1992-on hectads: 1412

Pre-1992 hectads: 948

Total hectads: 1702

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About this species

Recorded altitude range
-4m to 750m

Species text

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

Habitat and ecology
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