Garden Spider also Garden Orb Weaver/Cross Spider

The common Garden Spider is one of the "orb weavers" named after the round silk web it constructs. The cross-shaped markings on the back vary considerably, as does the shade of brown.

"Web Designer at Lunch": it is usually the female that sits in the centre of the web waiting to catch a passing meal.

More of the ornate cross-shaped markings on the back. The Garden Spider is common throughout Europe, some of Asia and some of North America.

The silk orb web is built by floating a line to another surface, attaching another line to form a "Y" then building the intricate silk radial pattern. The interior lines of web are sticky silk so that the prey adheres to it. When prey such as a fly or moth is captured, the spider usually bites it to stun it then wraps it in more silk until ready to eat.

"Packed lunch": if dangerous prey such as a wasp or ladybird is captured, it will usually be wrapped up immediately to immobilise it before being bitten. Above right shows the line of silk being spun from the rear end.