Araneus diadematus
(Cross Orb-weaver)

Comments & ID Thoughts

This spider has white spots down its dorsal line. The larger white spots are on a black cross line. The abdomen is approximately 2 cm in length. I would guess its weight between 1-2 grams. I have no idea what species this is, any ideas or identification thoughts are welcome. I brought it in my home for the cold seasons. It is in a terrarium with its natural yew bush branches. When it was in its web I fed it crickets from petsmart. The web was typical, with a general circular pattern. There was no lightning writing in the web. Please help me in identification. I plan to return it to the bush in the spring if it survives. The spider is gentle in nature. I have not handled it and likely will not. I'm a bit shy. Thank you

• Submitted by: 
  
  johnbchubb
• Submitted: Oct 6, 2018
• Photographed: Sep 16, 2018
• Spider: Araneus diadematus (Cross Orb-weaver)
• Location: Plattsburgh , New York, United States
• Spotted Outdoors: Man-made structure (building wall, fences, etc.)
• Found in web?: Yes
• Attributes: Dorsal