We
know that spiders build Webs, but we do not know that they construct a variety
of intricate patterns of web.
Some
spiders construct their web by decorating it with some simple to the most
complicated patterns. The decorative pattern may be a single zigzag line, a
combination of lines, or even a spiral whorl around the center of the web. These
patterns are believed to stabilize the spider web. Hence these elaborate web
decorations are known as stabilimenta.
In addition these patterns act as a camouflage, to hide the spiders from their
prey or to protect the spiders from their predators.
From
a distance we see these patterns but its wondering how spiders spin such a
pattern that is quite symmetrical!
You
have to see them to believe… Marvelous..!
Don’t
you think so?
 |
| at the center you see the SPIDER SCULPTURE! |
To
add to this list of decorations, Biologist and science teacher Phil Torres of Peru's
Tambopata Research Centre recently discovered a new variety of “sculpting”
spiders in the Amazon forests! These spiders belong to the genus Cyclosa. The sculptures
often resembles a ‘giant spider’.
These
spiders ‘sculpt’ the figure of bigger spider using dead insects, debris and
leaves. Such ‘decoy spider’ are constructed to fool their predators.
Interesting Spider “WEB SITES”:
http://www.arkinspace.com/2011/05/spiders-that-decorate-their-own-webs.html
http://www.arkinspace.com/2011/05/spiders-that-decorate-their-own-webs.html
- Dr. P. Kumarasamy
