A medium-sized orb-weaving spider native to Europe, characterized by a distinctive white cross-like pattern on its abdomen. Belongs to the Araneidae family, commonly found in woodland, garden, and forest edge habitats.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Temperate forests, gardens, woodland edges, and urban green spaces across Northern and Central Europe, typically inhabiting areas with dense vegetation and suitable web-building surfaces
Ecological Role
Essential predator in terrestrial ecosystems, controlling insect populations, serving as prey for birds and other predators, and contributing to complex food web dynamics
Morphology
SKIN COATExoskeleton with protective cuticle, variable coloration from brown to gray
LIMBS WINGSEight legs, covered in fine sensory hairs, specialized for web construction and prey capture
HEAD SENSORYEight eyes arranged in two rows, advanced visual perception and vibration detection capabilities
BODY STRUCTURERounded abdomen, typically 9-15 mm in length, with distinctive white cross pattern on dorsal surface
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: Michael Gäbler
