Is this a Garden Spider? It's gray.

[wolseley]

This lovely arachnid fell onto my head as I was getting into my car. He/She then crawled down my ear onto my shoulder where I was able to gently shake it into a cup on my seat. I then released it in my garden where it happily scurried away unhurt . Is it a Garden Spider? I thought they were more yellow and black on the abdomen. What species do you think it is?

 

[The Snark]

Possibly Aranaeus Diadematus about ready to molt, thus the faded washed out colors.

 

[Biollantefan54]

I'm thinking Neoscona, maybe crucifera

 

[The Snark]

Crucifera isn't in California, is it?

 

[Smokehound714]

Crucifera isn't in California, is it?

yes it is. Extremely common here

 

[Ungoliant]

Is it a Garden Spider? I thought they were more yellow and black on the abdomen. What species do you think it is?

This would be a good BugGuide submission, as they don't seem to have any Neoscona that look just like yours.

FYI, the term "garden spider" is so generic as to be nearly useless. (It's the orbweaver equivalent of the term "birdeater" for tarantulas.)

 

[The Snark]

YI, the term "garden spider" is so generic as to be nearly useless.

You can be so pedantic! Garden spider narrows it right down to Araneidae, Lycosidae, Thomsidae, Agelenidae, Oxyopidae... and a few others.