Araneida

20200828 Chimerarachne yingi

Araneidae is a family of spiders commonly known as orb-weavers due to their habit of constructing orb-shaped webs. These webs are used for trapping flying insects, which serve as their primary food source. The Araneidae family is one of the most diverse and widely distributed spider families, with over 3,000 species described across various genera.

Characteristics

Members of the Araneidae family exhibit a wide range of sizes, colors, and shapes, but they share some common characteristics. These spiders typically have eight eyes arranged in two rows, robust bodies, and often display bright colors and intricate patterns on their abdomens. The size of orb-weaver spiders can vary significantly, with some species having a body length of less than 3 mm, while others, like the giant orb-weaver (Nephila), can have a body length of up to 30 mm and a leg span of over 100 mm.

Web Construction

Orb-weaver spiders are renowned for their engineering skills in constructing spiral wheel-shaped webs. The web is composed of a frame, radii, and a sticky spiral capture silk. The construction process is a fascinating display of precision and efficiency, usually taking place at night. The spider releases a silk thread to catch the wind and form the first bridge, upon which it builds the frame and radii. Finally, it spins the sticky spiral from the center outwards, leaving a free zone in the middle where it often waits for its prey.

Behavior and Ecology

Orb-weavers are primarily nocturnal, spending the day hidden in nearby foliage or in retreats in the corners of their webs. Their diet consists mainly of flying insects, which they capture in their webs. After capturing prey, an orb-weaver will quickly immobilize it by wrapping it in silk before administering a venomous bite. These spiders play a significant role in controlling insect populations in their habitats.

Orb-weavers exhibit seasonal behavior, with most species living for about a year. They are most visible during late summer and early autumn, which is their peak mating season. After mating, females lay eggs in a silk egg sac, which they attach to a sheltered location. The adult spiders often die with the first hard frost, while the eggs overwinter and hatch in the spring.

Distribution

The Araneidae family is found worldwide, from tropical to temperate regions. Their ability to inhabit a wide range of environments, from forests and meadows to gardens and human dwellings, contributes to their widespread distribution.

Conservation

Most orb-weaver spiders are of little concern to conservationists as they are abundant and have a broad distribution. However, habitat destruction and pesticide use can impact local populations. These spiders are beneficial to humans by controlling insect populations, including pests in gardens and agricultural fields.

Gallery

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See Also

• Spider silk
• Predation
• Insectivore