ADULT: Female to 19mm; male to 12mm. Males and females are alike although males have a smaller abdomen and are somewhat darker. Both sexes are mainly chestnut brown, marked with dark wavy lines and two central patches. Be warned though that this species is variable! The upper surface of the abdomen has distinctly pointed angular tubercules. BEHAVIOUR: Find any long strands travelling from branch to branch in appropriate areas and at the end of one side you may come across this impressive predator. More often than not though, due to the large orb web having no retreat area, the spider will sit in the centre of the construction and await its prey. HABITAT: Woodland, coastal heathland within bushes and smaller trees. DISTRIBUTION: Widespread although far from common. PERIOD: Mature adults are best seen from June until October.