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When to look
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Garden spider
Good to know
Six things about the garden spider
LegsNot an insect
Spiders have eight legs and two body parts. Insects have six legs and three.
CrossThe cross on its back
Look for the white spots in the shape of a cross. It's also called the cross spider.
WebsA new web every day
Garden spiders often eat their old web and spin a fresh one, recycling the silk.
AutumnAutumn spiders
They're most noticeable in late summer and autumn, when the females are at their biggest.
SilkMany kinds of silk
A spider makes different kinds of silk for different jobs: some sticky, some strong, some for wrapping.
HarmlessNothing to fear
Garden spiders are harmless to people, and they catch plenty of flies.
The real thing
Photos of the garden spider
Out and aboutHow to spot one
Look for large round webs across paths, hedges and window frames in September, best on a dewy morning. The spider sits head-down in the middle.
Lend a handHow to help
Leave webs where they are when you can, and leave seed heads and stems standing in autumn for them to build on.
Following youLadybird
Who should follow you?
Bees and hoverflies
Butterflies and moths
Dragonflies and damselflies
Beetles, hoppers and ants
Not insects at all
Snails and spiders aren't insects: a snail is a mollusc, and spiders have eight legs.
Garden birds
Pond animals live on the Pond page: choosing one takes you there.
Pond life
Night garden
Seashore animals live on the Seashore page: choosing one takes you there.
Rock pool life
Woodland animals
Under a log
Meadow life
River animals live on the River page: choosing one takes you there.
River life
