The Cross Orb Spider\Common Garden Spider

showing its underside. This spider doesn't sound particularly friendly.  Its legs are formed to spin orb webs which are built by the larger females. The unfortunate victim is rapidly wrapped in silk and bitten. These spiders are also cannibals and will eat each other, usually around sexual activity, and if trapped they will occasionally bite humans!

But I think I prefer them to the larger Common House Spider which races across the carpet with brittle hairy legs. This is the time of year they are looking for a crack to sneak inside for the winter. They dont need to eat for three months so are quite happy enjoying our warmth!  I havnt seen any yet but a neighbour has had 15 of them in the last week - or may be it is the same one being persistent!

Extra photograph - a soothing picture of this evening's sunset.