Cross orb-weaver (European garden spider)

Gardens, woodland edges, and around buildings, where it builds orb webs among plants or structures.

Catches and eats flying insects, including flies, moths, and mosquitoes, in its web.

Builds a large circular web and waits nearby or at its center for prey. Females produce egg sacs in autumn; young spiders hatch the following spring.

Harmless to people; bites are rare and usually mild. It helps control insect populations.