Any Idea

I need to find the I.D of this spider-any ideas, This image is abit over flashed but shows the markings clearer than the others

Thanks

Dave

Araneus diadematus, its your european garden spider I reckon.

Tim

Havn't a clue Dave but it is a nice capture.
John
Aberdeen

I agree, Araneus diadematus.

Cheers Guys much appreciated

Hmmm, I can see why you've posted it as it lacks the white cross normally seen on A.diadematus and has some dark patches where there should be light ones yet otherwise looks like it. How big was it Dave? I'm wondering if it might be Larinioides cornutus which is smaller than the garden spider (upto 9mm body versus upto 13mm body) but related to it. Usually this species is on reeds or grass near water. Would that fit the bill? I'm not an expert, just happened to have a book handy! All these critters have pretty variable markings though.
Mike

Hi Mike
It was the lack of white that threw me, I cant even remember where i took it as it was back in April, I have a feeling it was in the Jura mountains but am not sure-i will have to rack my brains
Dave

An alternative to my spider book:
Check this link for example of Larinioides cornutus photo- similar I think:

http://www.knnv.nl/amsterdam/1086Lcornutus.html

If you search on google images for Larinioides cornutus you'll see there's quite a bit of variation in colour as the guide book says but basically the dark abdomen markings are similar to yours. Can't guarantee it though
Good luck,
Mike
24 bottles of beer in a crate and you can't remember where you took a photo a couple of months ago - coincidence? I don't think so

Thanks for your time and effort Mike i think you may have it and i have finally remembered it was next to me when i was shooting Grebes at Lake Geneva so that would make sense

Dave

Hi Dave, I think Tim is accurate with garden spider. This link might help:

http://www.xs4all.nl/~ednieuw/Spiders/spidhome.htm

Follow the 'thumbnail page' link and look down the page at Araneidae, orb web spiders.