Araneus angulatus
Araneus angulatus is a species of orb-weaving spiders found in the Palearctic realm. It resembles the European garden spider, Araneus diadematus, but has distinctive tubercles on its abdomen. The species was first described in Aranei Svecici in 1757, where it was the first species described, making Araneus angulatus the first scientific name of an animal that is still in use.
Description
Araneus angulatus closely resembles the more frequently encountered European garden spider, Araneus diadematus, but can be distinguished by the presence of angular tubercles on the abdomen.Distribution
Araneus angulatus is found across a wide geographical range in the Palearctic realm. It is widespread in Europe, although rarer in Northern Europe. A. angulatus is rare in the United Kingdom, where it is restricted to areas near the South coast of England.Subspecies
Six subspecies are currently recognized:Araneus angulatus afolius — PortugalAraneus angulatus atricolor Simon, 1929 — FranceAraneus angulatus levifolius — PortugalAraneus angulatus niger — SpainAraneus angulatus nitidifolius — PortugalAraneus angulatus personatus Simon, 1929Much of the previous subspecies are now part of Araneus pallidus.