One of the largest and heaviest orb web building spiders in the UK is the angled orb weaver(Araneus angulatus). It is capable of growing larger than the other members of the group such as the common garden spider (A.diadematus) and the four spot orb weaver(A.quadratus). This species is rare over most of the UK but common on the southern heathlands where it can be plentiful, but never as common as the other two in regards to density within a colony of mature individuals;they are spaced out far apart. They build the largest of orb webs and anchor lines can extent several meters between trees and bushes, favoring high standing gorse(Ulex europaeus)
The smaller male (below) waits nearby until she is mature. He is prepared to wait several weeks, guarding her against other males wishing to mate with her.
