Cross Spider

The spider species Araneus diadematus is commonly called the European garden spider, diadem spider, cross spider, or crowned orb weaver. It is an orb-weaver spider found in Europe and North America. Garden spiders are sometimes called Cross spiders on account of the white '+' cross-shaped mark on the abdomen. They're most frequently seen in September and October, when they reach adult size. Adult females range in length from 6.5 to 20 mm (0.26 to 0.79 in), while males range from 5.5 to 13 mm (0.22 to 0.51 in). Occasionally, the female will eat the male directly after mating.