Would you imagine that Araneus Diadematus could be aggressive towards humans?

Well I can – now!

Being a warm afternoon in September this year, I stripped to my waist to carry out some dead heading in my garden. On finishing my tasks and heading indoors, I felt an itch on my stomach and without looking, I scratched the spot. Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain, similar to a wasp sting. When I looked however, there was an adult garden spider so easily recognisable by its white  "diadem" across its back. Imagine my surprise! I knocked it away before studying the pinprick of a mark left by its jaws. I immediately squeezed the area whilst imagining wildly how the venom would spread to the rest of my body and wondering how ill I might become. I had never heard of anyone having been bitten before by any type of spider.

The pain continued so my next action was to apply an insect bite antidote. My good friend, Barry Brigden, of Hoverfly fame, had tipped me off about a tick repellent that he had obtained on prescription. It is called “Fucidin”. Its main ingredient is sodium fusidate. I had obtained some for myself and I proceeded to apply this clear gel to the offending area. The reaction was instant – the pain was gone- amazing!

My next thought was,” Who would be interested to know about this incident”?  Well, Jennifer Newton, of course!

When I telephoned her with the tale she was similarly amazed. In all her years of handling spiders she had never been bitten. Also, how strange that Araneus Diadematus was the culprit! This is a spider which normally just wraps up its prey before devouring it when ready.

We thought that it would make an interesting article – so here it is – and I am well enough to write it for you all!

Author - Brian Hugo.

Photograph – Barbara Crooks.