This spider has been hanging around for a few days, so I am trying to get her (based on size) identified. We are pretty sure it is a Cross Spider (Araneus diadematus), but would like a second opinion.

To make photography interesting, it only comes out when the sun is setting.
Here's the top side


And the underside.


Thank you for your help.

Id say that's the right genus, may or may not be the right species, identifying spiders down to species can be very difficult!

Either way, they're only a threat to the many flying insects at your place.

I wasn't worried, I like spiders and insects. If any spiders get into the house I try to catch them to release outside, if the weather is temperate. Otherwise I let them be and hope no one else in the house finds them. They do not care for spiders. Thank you for looking.

And thank you for not squishing them!
I've trained a few friends to do the same, I name my spiders, occasionally even leave a plate of fruit scraps under their webs to draw fruit flies...
I love how my orb weavers like to build webs over the windows and near lights, for a while I thought it was mighty smart of them, but then thought better of it, and realized that they're not targeting the lights, they're just EVERYWHERE, and the ones near the lights are just super successful.

I doubt it's Araneus diadematus which has a 'cross' of white spots on it's back.

http://bugguide.net/node/view/...

There are other spiders which look similar, it could be an Araneus species or another in the same family Araneidae.

Reminds me most of Thomisidae, Xysticus sp.

https://www.google.co.uk/searc...

I was racking my brain last night going through Bug Guide photos and you likely are right it not being a Cross spider. I learned they are not native to the US, but they are still good to have around.

I got an interesting email today, so thought this would be a nice place to share a link to the blog entry.

http://prairieecologist.com/20...

Good to know we're not alone, but certainly in the minority!
Nice link!

I am opening this back up again.

This is a long shot, but do you think this is the same spider? The overall markings and shape look similar and without good light, a lot is missed.

Spiders can be very variable!

I found one which looks similar to the first one, Neoscona juvenile.

http://bugguide.net/node/view/...

Neoscona domiciliorum is very similar ..

http://bugguide.net/node/view/...

The second one looks like a Neoscona sp. too, in fact it looks similar to Neoscona domiciliorum.

http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74...

Neoscona arabesca is also similar ..

http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74...

Neoscona domiciliorum has the same markings underneath as the first spider ..

https://www.google.co.uk/searc...

JRsbugs said:Spiders can be very variable!

I am beginning to notice this.

Thank you so much for taking the time to send the links. I spent a lot of time on the first spider, and kept going back and forth on it. It came back to its old spot the other day after a couple of days elsewhere, and had grown in size. My husband doesn't like spiders, so I was glad it is outside.

Off topic a little, I've seen discussions for an insect database here. I tell you, I'd be happy with an insect forum that was not only related to identification.