European garden spider

Description:

The spider species Araneus diadematus is commonly called the European garden spider, is a member of the genus Araneus, family Araneidae. Individual spiders' colourings can range from extremely light yellow to very dark grey, but all A. diadematus have mottled white markings across the dorsal abdomen, with four or more segments forming a cross. The markings are formed in cells filled with guanine, which is a byproduct of protein metabolism. The pictured spiders was spotted during a hike in the Centaur's path, near Makrynitsa village, Pelion mountain, Greece.