Oak-leaf spider (Aculepeira ceropegia) is a resident of extensive meadows. It weaves its web most readily in a dry meadow in a warm, sunny location. The oak-leaf spider is one of the two species of this genus that live in Europe.
Like other cross spiders, the oak-leaf spider is also a master of weaving webs. It stretches a wheel-shaped web between blades of grass or other herbs, and it can also be found on shrubs. The center of the web is filled with a dense silky weave, where it also waits for an unsuspecting flyer to fall into its trap.
The Slovenian name for the oak-leaf spider comes from a drawing on the abdomen that resembles an oak leaf. For this species, an oval abdomen is characteristic, clearly narrowed at both ends, and the aforementioned drawing on its dorsal side. The female is larger than the male; its body is 12 to 14 mm long, and the male's body measures 7 to 8 mm. It reaches full size and sexual maturity in summer.
