This orb weaving spider has an orb web that is designed to specifically catch flying insects. The thing that really makes this spider interesting is the zig zag pattern it makes in its web (please see picture). They call this pattern a stabilimentum and scientists aren’t really sure what its function is on the web. It has been debated that it adds to the overall strength of the web, or it may be there to help birds and mammals see the web to avoid going through it. Some say it is there to help camouflage the spider that hunts from the center of the web, or it is used to actually attract prey. Nonetheless I’m sure the garden spider knows exactly why they put it there.
