Green Orb-weaver

Special features: Despite its almost florescent green colour the Green Orb-weaver can remain very well camouflaged amongst vegetation.

It's only when it strays from it's normal habitat it gets noticed, and people often think they've discovered an alien species.

The green orb-weaver is quite a common native species found throughout the UK and northern Europe.

Just above the spinners there is a red spot. This is more obvious on young spiders and can only be seen from underneath the spider.

Latin name: Araniella cucurbitina

Size: Approximately 4 to 6mm

Distribution: Found throughout the U.K.

Months seen: April to October

Food: Small insects

Habitat: Frequently found on low growing bushes and in hedgerows