Identifying Spider

Leuven, Belgium

Hello,
I have a bee hotel in my garden and it seems like it's a real success (i've seen baby bees). But we've recently noticed an unfamiliar spider that harasses our bees, I'm unsure what kind of spider it is. It has a really strong and sticky web (seemingly a circular web, but kinda rough and randomized of structure. There is also a funnel web nearby, but I doubt it's from the unidentified spider. The size of the spider is about 4cm (1.5 inches) leg span.

It's quite aggressive towards me when I walk by as it tries to approximate me as hard as (s)he can. My sister thinks it's a female that already gave birth to many new baby spiders, which is really bad news for the bees.

Sorry for the unclear image, I'm prepared to take a new one if needed.

My question is: what is this spider? Can I (safely) remove it (kill if necessary or by accident)?

Thanks in advance

Edit: after further investigation, I've seen multiple more around my garden shed, they have 2 white triangles on the underside of their abdomen. Another one sat in a circular web that was very strong.


This message was edited May 30, 2018 12:08 PM

Thumbnail by Prof_P
Minot, ND

A clearer image, especially if the eye pattern can be seen, would be helpful. Regardless of its specific identification, it is not anything that would be dangerous to humans, and thus safe to move to a new location - you might try using a forked stick having a long 'handle.' And you are correct about the funnel web; this spider would not be responsible for it. In the meantime, google image for "Araneus diadematus" to see if you find any similar to the ones around your shed or in the web you describe.

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