the European garden spider - l'Épeire diadème - Araneus diadematus (2)

MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY of the European Garden Spider!

The legs of orb-weaver spiders are specialized for spinning orb webs. The webs are built by the larger females who hang head down in the center of the web or remain hidden in nearby foliage, with one claw hooked to a signal line connected to the main orb waiting for a disturbance to signal the arrival of prey. Prey is then quickly bitten and wrapped in silk before being stored for later consumption. The initial bite serves to paralyze the prey and minimize the danger of the spider herself being stung or bitten, and the enzymes thus injected serve to begin liquefaction of the prey's internal structures.

A. diadematus is a reclusive creature and only bites humans if cornered or otherwise provoked.