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Project Noah Nature School
Araneus diadematus
Adult females range in length from 6.5 to 20 millimeters, and the males are 5.5 to 13 millimeters long. The color varies greatly from specimen to specimen. Generally, the smaller and/or younger individuals are darker while the adult females are lighter. The background color is yellow to brown with two longitudinal, wavy or scalloped lines (folium). There are several white or yellow spots within and around the folium. Four elongated spots appear toward the anterior end of the abdomen, creating what appears to be a cross. As with the previous species, the carapace has three dark, longitudinal lines or bands.
I'm inclined to agree with ItsyBitsy on this ID suggestion. Your lovely spider does not appear to have the markings on the dorsal abdomen that help to distinguish the Cross Orbweaver. Neoscona crucifera looks like a better match to me. :-)
Spotted on Sep 21, 2013
Submitted on Sep 22, 2013
