Araneus quadratus (Clerck, 1757)

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Description of Araneus quadratus (Four-spot orb weaver)

Physical Characteristics

Color highly variable.

Female 10.5 to 20 mm.
Abdomen remarkably large and chubby. Colour whitish, green, orange, various shades of red with a distinct pattern of four large white dots and several small white dots.
Carapace light brown.
Legs and palps light brown with dark annulations.

Male 7 tot 11 mm.
Markings and colours almost identical to the female. Carapace with two black borders.

Habitat

Moist, but also dry areas in low vegetation (e.g. heathland).

Distribution

Common in the whole of Europe, locally very common.

Period

Summer and autumn.