Thommanon - Saint Andrew's Cross spiders (Argiope species) are common in the Khmer temples. They are thus named because they wait for prey in the &quot;X&quot; position. The theory about the additional webbing in the cross shape is that it makes them look even bigger to scare away predators. They are harmless to humans and drop to the ground when scared. This is a female, by the way...the males are much smaller and less colorful. Siem Reap, Cambodia http://www.Devata.org