Wasp spider

Wasp spider (Argiope bruennichi), female, in the garden, guarding her nest.

This creature was a surprise find in our mini-meadow. Her body is about the size of a thumb-nail, and legs included about as long as your thumb.

The sphere behind is the nest she's built. Perhaps the male helped her. I did catch a glimpse of him - he's a lot, lot smaller.

My book says the spider is native only to the south coast of the UK but relatively common in NW Europe.

Apologies if any of you freak out at spider images.