Sunlight reveals the silhouette of a garden spider sitting on the back of a leaf. Groningen, the Netherlands.

Autumn has arrived. Large garden spiders (Araneus diadematus) are a common sight throughout the northern hemisphere this time of year, trapping insects like wasps and butterflies in their webs. After mating, a female grows large with eggs inside. She will lay the eggs in a protective sac and guard over them until her death later this year. The eggs will hatch next spring, giving birth to a new generation of garden spiders.

Another development this autumn that I’m delighted to report is that I’ve been nominated for the National Geographic Emerging Nature Photographer Award. In connection with that some of my photos will probably appear in the next issue of the Dutch magazine, so keep a lookout if you’re a local reader!