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Cross Orb Weaver

Araneus diadematus

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Cross Orb Weaver (Araneus diadematus)

The Cross Orb Weaver is an introduced European spider now common in North American gardens, bearing a distinctive white cross-like pattern of dots on its mottled brown-to-orange abdomen. It rebuilds its large, perfect orb web each morning after consuming the old silk. Females are the web-builders, while tiny males must approach cautiously to mate without being eaten.

Habitat
Gardens, shrubs, forest edges, and building eaves
Diet
Adults: flying insects caught in orb web
How common
Common

Best time to see a Cross Orb Weaver

The best time to see a Cross Orb Weaver is July–September, when about 65% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 31,273 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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