Araneus diadematus (Figs. 1, 2) is probably the most common spider in Cornwall. In many localities in the Summer and Autumn, it is difficult to look anywhere without seeing one. Almost every bush bears several webs of this distinctive species. Their feeding activity must have a considerable impact on populations of flying insects in the County.
     In September 2004, I made a deliberate attempt to record this species from every tetrad in West Penwith, hence the high concentration of red dots! Araneus diadematus was present in abundance in every tetrad that I walked through. Indeed, the coverage for Araneus diadematus is probably a reasonable indicator of total recorder activity since it is probably present in every tetrad.

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Fig. 1 (above) and 2 (right): Araneus diadematus