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Photo#713309
Large Orb Weaver Spider - Araneus diadematus

Large Orb Weaver Spider - Araneus diadematus
Greenville, Providence County, Rhode Island, USA
October 6, 2012
Size: 1" sans legs
I came across this large spider that had spun its web on a handrail to the porch. She (I'm guessing a female) tolerated a few close-up photos,
then quickly headed for the underside of the rail and tried to be as close against it as possible. Not wanting to stress her out, I left her.
She was back at the center of her web about a half-hour later and I left her alone.

Images of this individual: tag all
Large Orb Weaver Spider - Araneus diadematus Large Orb Weaver Spider - Araneus diadematus

Moved to Araneus diadematus
Moved from Spiders.

I think we're right with atypical Araneus diadematus. Part of the reason I'm leaning that way (besides our comments) is that Marcia found an A. diadematus in the same area on the same day.


In my experience where you find one of these you will find a large population in the area.

A. diadematus...?
My first reaction was A. marmoreus too. But, if you imagine the faint reddish markings on the abdomen to be white, I think this one would look a lot like a conventional A. diadematus, cross and all.

We were going to say marmoreus,
but now that we see your comment, we see how it might be diadematus. We just don't see diadematus that look like this which is why we lean toward marmoreus. We'll need some more comments!

Moved to spiders
Moved from ID Request. This is another Araneus. However, I'm not 100% sure which species. It appears to be an A. diadematus without the cross. However, I'd also consider A. marmoreus. Let's get some other people's opinions.

 
Moved to spiders
I have several photos of it, one in particular that shows it at angle slightly different from the others I've sent as it climbed up its web to hide under the rail. I also have a far away view, but perhaps helpful, of a third spider resembling this and the other with prey that I submitted. Would you like me to send them to aid in ID? If so, how do I get them in with the others rather than as a first time submission? Many thanks.

 
No Thanks
The only other angle that would help ID this spider is a close-up of the epigyne which I'm sure you didn't get =}. I'm pretty sure we have the right ID here. If you want to try to get a shot of the epigyne, you can seal the live spider in a plastic baggie and take the pictures through the plastic... then just release the spider back to its rail.

 
Moved to spiders
Many thanks to ALL who are seeking to identify this and the other, similar spider that has prey in its photo. I always learn so much through you. I really appreciate your effort!

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