CLOSED: Never encountered spider (Before now!)

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burtj worcester, United Kingdom Sep 18, 2010

Hi!

I was sat on my couch and noticed this little guy (girl?) walking across the seat next to me. I was curious because it had thread trailing from it's abdomen a short way behind it. When I turned to look, it stopped walking, and jumped approx 8-10 inches onto my leg.

I was pretty startled and swiped it away causing it to swing, because of the thread, back to the couch seat. Seemingly (hopefully) unharmed.

Can anyone please tell me what this spider is, as I've never seen one around here (Central UK) that doesn't mind leaping towards people!


Kind regards,

J

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suunto Sinks Grove, WV Sep 18, 2010

This appears to be Areaneus diadematus, an orb weaving spider (family Araneidae) known as the cross orb weaver or European garden spider - see http://tinyurl.com/4n7hfv. It is widely distributed on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, and like all orb weavers, is harmless to humans.

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burtj worcester, United Kingdom Sep 20, 2010

Thanks Suunto! You've put my mind at rest, I won't be too hesitant when near one of them again!

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