Can someone assist me with identifying this spider?

Question

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1059/1353556555_27ebe0af87_b.jpg

It's about the size of a half dollar when it's legs are spread out. The pattern on the back looks skeletal to me. It kind of looks like a mushroom too.

Thanks for any help!

Answer 1

It looks like a common barn spider,a type of orb weaver.I have them in my yard every summer.They're very beneficial,as they eat a lot of insects,and they are not venomous.

http://www.spiderroom.info/va_barnspider.html

Answer 2

This is a Barn Spider, without a doubt. A common Orb Weaver. Although, like most Orb Weavers, it can be very magnificent looking but is not dangerous. Typically, a true ID can be made by looking at the spiders underside. It will have a blackish or darker area with two white spots within the darker area. They are mostly nocturnal spiders, and will sit in the middle of their web waiting for prey to become ensnared. They have very poor eyesight, but a real keen sense of touch. They can be aggressive, especially with other Barn Spiders and will often fight with other Barn Spiders living in the same vicinity.

Ever read the book Charlotte's Web? Many people think that Charlotte was a Writer Spider, but in fact, she was a Barn Spider. Her full name in the book was Charlotte A. Cavatica. The scientific name for a Barn Spider is Araneus Cavaitcus.....see the similarities. In fact one of Charlotte's daughters, in the book, was named Araneus. One of my favorite children's books.

They are cool spider to watch and are very beneficial as they get rid of a lot of nasties that you really don't want hanging around your home.

Answer 3

Araneus diadematus
it weaves an orb like web and is most common in europe but was brought to the US by settles a long time ago. look out for an egg sack because that one is a female

Answer 4

I believe valorandmadness is correct. It looks like Araneus
diadematus, although his illustration of that species is much
darker in color than is usual.