Larinioides sclopetarius, Bridge Spider

Common Name: Bridge Spider

Larinioides sclopetarius, commonly called bridge spider or gray cross spider, is a relatively large orb-weaver spider that is often found on bridges, especially near light and over water (proximity to water seems to be a necessity for this species). The species tends to live on steel objects and is seldom seen on vegetation (the one pictured above was on metal railings alongside the River Severn in Shropshire).

Females reach body length of 10 to 14mm, males 8 to 9mm. Their orb webs can have diameters of up to 70 cm. They often hide during the day, and wait for prey in the center of their web at night. Males can be found mostly during summer, females can be active until November.

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