Another spider ID, please

Found this spider outside my back door. I haven't been able to see its back, but I thought it was a wolf spider. Except that the ones I see in the lawn don't spin webs.

It's about 15mm overall length.

Thanks...

-js

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that looks like an Orb Spider...there's a thread called "Spider and the Bee". Looks just like this one

Araneus diadematus - most likely ...

definately a garden orb web spider! Sorry im not sure on its scientific name as im in NZ but these spiders are not dangerous or anything like it completely hamless!

If it is really an Araneus diadematus, I don't want to get bitten by it.

Thanks, guys.

My daughter says it's an orb spider, but she's a plant biologist so what does she know? (That's a joke, Alison!)

Its web is just an inch or so from the greenhouse door, so I haven't been able to see its back. Maybe I'll slip a mirror up behind the web and take some more shots.

I did a nice 8 X 10 print of the critter and my wife cringes a bit when she sees it. Of course, in the print the length of the beast is about 9 inches. (Evil leer.)


-js