How Spiders Catch Prey – Can Webs Be Made Without Spiders?
WouterThere are many different ways spiders catch prey. Some use webs. Others rely on catching prey by other means. There are even a few species that do not build webs.
When you think of spiders, you might think of a small, sticky creature that flies around your home catching bugs. In reality, all spiders are not web-makers. Some spiders use webs to hide from predators, while others use them to protect themselves.
Some spiders make webs to catch insects that fall from trees and other objects. In fact, some species of spiders even make webs to capture birds. But while the most common spiders do make webs, there are some that do not.
Orb weavers are spiders that build intricate spiral orb-style webs. They must determine the best shape and anchor points for their webs. This task requires a lot of cognitive ability.
When creating orb webs, orb weavers must take into account the amount of silk available. They also need to choose an appropriate size for their web. This is done by calculating the best structure using light cues.
In addition, spiders must keep their webs clean. If they break, they won’t be able to eat the entangled prey. They will also have to rebuild the web if the original location is not suitable.
While the idea of spiders making webs is cool, it is not necessary. Some spiders make cobwebs. A cobweb is a dusty, disused web. These webs can last for years if they are protected from the weather. However, it’s also possible for webs to become sticky. This is due to the chemical makeup of spider silk.
