Walnut Orb Weaver Spider UK

Spotted this Walnut Orb Weaver (Nuctenea umbratica) Spider just sitting on a house wall. It's a real beauty. This picture was taken in the UK (Birmingham to be exact) at night using an artificial light (phone torch).
 

I don't know where this spider is native to, but I've never seen one in person like this before. I'm not sure whether they carry venom, however, on Wikipedia it says, and I quote "As with all orbweavers any bite is of no consequence." So pretty sure its not particularly dangerous.

Spider Hiding In Web Under a Leaf Image

Here is two quick images of a Spider hiding under a leaf where he / she has made a little home for himself. Or herself. I don't know what type of Spider this is, but it looks like a variation of the common Garden Spider species. Or as I refer to them as, the one's with the shredded wheat legs! I love these spiders. They remind me of my childhood, as they were always around when playing and exploring outdoors.

This one has different patterning to the "normal" Garden Spider, and has what resembles a kippah / yarmulke (Jewish cap) on the top of its body. Click the images for a closer look. I like most Spiders except Wolf Spiders. I really don't like them anywhere near me. Too fast and too hairy!

Strange Fake Widow Spider Or Fat Fraud?

Spotted this strange fat spider today hanging off my cat! Not sure what species it is but it does have those odd white spots that the fake / false widows have. I know there are quite a few different fake widows in the UK, I have seen a few, but they are usually much darker in colour. From different angles this one was very shiny, almost silver in colour. Is this another one to add to the collection? I believe people and animals have to be careful around these spiders as one woman had to have her finger amputated due to a false widow bite.

Identified as a Theridion blackwalli by the good folks of the British Spider Identification Facebook Group

There have been numerous others that have also had some very nasty wounds from these types of spiders. Is it a fake widow or something else. It's only small, but so fat it looks like it's about to explode! Strange little thing. I put it on a Basil plant and tried to take a few pictures but the camera was having a tough time focusing. Click the pictures to enlarge.