Cross orb-weaver (European garden spider)

Gardens, hedges, woodland edges, and buildings across Europe and introduced parts of North America; builds webs on outdoor structures.

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

Builds a circular web and waits at its center or nearby for prey; adults are most visible in late summer and autumn. The bulbous abdomen and pale cross-like markings are characteristic, though partly obscured here.

Not dangerous to people; bites are rare and generally mild. Beneficial predator of nuisance insects.