European Garden Spider after a Rain Shower

Macro photograph of a female European Garden Spider (Araneus diadematuson) with captured prey, covered in droplets of rain. Sheffield, UK.

About the European Garden Spider:

The European Garden spider (Araneus diadematus) otherwise known as the diadem spider, cross spider and the crowned orb weaver is a medium sized common spider found throughout Europe and Parts of America. 

The intricate webs are built by the much larger female spiders who patiently lie in wait for prey to become ensnared in their sticky web. The unfortunate insect is quickly captured and wrapped in silk before being eaten.

Orb spiders have been observed eating their own web at the end of the day (along with any unfortunate stuck insects!). A fresh web is then spun again in the morning.

During mating the much smaller male spiders will approach the females very cautiously. If his approach is not careful enough, he runs the risk of being eaten by her!

You can find more about European Garden Spiders here.