The Pale Cross Orbweaver (Araneus pallidus) is an arachnid in the Araneidae family of araneomorphic spiders. 

The Pale Cross Orbweaver has a heart-shaped body that can be a variety of colours, but usually it is from brown to orange. It has chelicerae (jaws) that move from side to side in a scissor-like motion. It has eight small eyes grouped closely together. Its legs are banded and spiny. 

It measures about 2.5 centimetres (one inch) long. 

It rests head-down in the centre of its web. It builds its web at night. 

It is found in western Europe in countries such as France, Portugal, and Spain, and in the north African country of Algeria. 

The female lays eggs in large, papery sacs within the web in early autumn. The eggs hatch in spring. The young are called spiderlings. 

[Location of photographs: Paris, France]

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM