I can’t say I’ve come across this type of spider until recently and so far, I’ve only seen them in privet hedges.

After a little research, I’m fairly confident this is a European garden spider (Araneus diadematus)

There’s a photo of his whole body on Day 85: Must Be Spider Season.

The European garden spider can also be found living in parts of North America and adjacent parts of Canada.

The garden spider’s bite is reported to be completely harmless to humans – although it is also reported, that the venom from such a bite has been known to cause loss of a bitten appendage!

Although the garden spider tends to be a passive creature, experts advise you keep a safe distance from it and if spotted in your garden to kill it with insecticide, as they are known to relocate weekly and may find their way in to your home.

Guess who won’t be getting up close and personal with the European garden spider again?!!

Exif Data
Focal Length: 4.1mm
Exposure Time: 1/30s
Flash: Off
F-Number: F3.3
ISO: 100
Metering Mode: Matrix
White Balance: Auto