giant lichen orb weaver

6081   Hello, My name is Danielle, I was in Penetanguishene, Ontario visiting some family when we came across this spider. It was sitting on the screen of the kitchen window with its legs all tucked together and facing out in front of its body. It was rather large, its body being roughly the size of a quarter and quite bulbous. After looking at a few references online, I believe it may possibly be a “cat face” orb weaver. Thanks for your help.  – Danielle 

This appears to be Araneus bicentenarius, known as the giant lichen orb weaver; see https://tinyurl.com/y8zhpmjz for images and more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.