"Angular Orb-weaver" - Araneus angulatus
"Nick's Spiders of Britain & Europe" website says this of Araneus angulatus: "This spider is rare in the UK and it is only found in counties bordering the south coast of England. It is very similar to Araneus diadematus but can be distinguished by the angular tubercles on the abdomen and the often asymetrical white markings at the center of the abdomen. The large orb web is often found on bushes and trees and often has support lines touching the ground. As a result the spider can feel the vibrations of a human walking past and will often immediately retreat to a safe corner of its web. The web is often built in a place commonly used by many flying insects, between two trees often provides a good source of insects". (Steve Jones)
Araneus angulatus
Photo Steve Jones
"Angular Orb-weaver" - Araneus angulatus photographed by Steve Jones 30/06/13
There were lots of Keeled Skimmers at Bell Lake Marsh and one provided a meal for perhaps the best find of the day, the orb spider Araneus angulatus. There were only 6 previous sites in Cornwall, although Brian & Elizabeth Jackson & I found it at Bell Lake Marsh together back in 1983 but didn't confirm the record.
There were lots of Keeled Skimmers at Bell Lake Marsh and one provided a meal for perhaps the best find of the day, the orb spider Araneus angulatus. There were only 6 previous sites in Cornwall, although Brian & Elizabeth Jackson & I found it at Bell Lake Marsh together back in 1983 but didn't confirm the record.