Description

Real Spider Web mounted to Mat, with Real Spider mounted to Web.  Frame is 9″ x 11″ x 1″ deep.

This is a real Spider posed and mounted on a real Spider Web that is mounted to the mat.  On A White mat, the Web has been slightly colored Black, while on a Black mat, the Web is left naturally “white”.

You will receive the Web shown, or one similar to it as each Web will naturally differ.

Orb weaver spiders are famous for the intricate, wheel-shaped webs they create. These webs are not only beautiful but also highly functional for capturing prey. Here are some interesting facts about orb-weaver spider webs:

1. Web Structure:

• Shape: The web is typically round or spiral, with a central hub and radiating spokes (like a wheel). The design maximizes surface area and is perfect for catching flying insects.
• Spiral: The web consists of two main parts: the radial lines (the spokes) and the circular spiral (the sticky part of the web). The spiral is where the spider traps its prey, while the radial lines serve as structural support.
• Sticky and Non-Sticky: The spider uses different types of silk to construct the web. The radial lines are non-sticky and are used for structural support, while the spiral is coated with a sticky silk that traps prey.

2. Construction Process:

• Orb weavers have a unique way of building their webs. They start by creating the framework with the radial lines, then work their way to creating the spiral, adding sticky silk as they go.
• The spider typically begins building at night and can complete an entire web within a few hours. Some spiders may eat the web each morning and rebuild it from scratch.

3. Silk:

• Orb-weaver spiders produce several types of silk, each with a different function. The silk for the web’s frame is much stronger and thicker than the silk used for the spiral. The sticky silk used in the spiral is designed to hold prey but is also resistant to breaking under tension.
• Silk is produced in specialized glands in the spider’s abdomen and can be incredibly strong, often stronger than steel of the same diameter.

4. Purpose:

• The primary purpose of the orb web is to catch flying insects, which become ensnared in the sticky silk. When an insect hits the web, the vibrations alert the spider, which then comes to subdue and consume the prey.
• The web is also important for mating displays and territorial signaling in some species.

5. Efficiency:

• Orb webs are incredibly efficient for prey capture. The geometric precision of the web allows the spider to capture even small, fast-moving insects. The shape of the web allows the spider to quickly react to vibrations and retrieve its meal.

6. Variety:

• There are many different species of orb-weaver spiders, each with slightly different web structures. Some species build large webs, while others create smaller ones. While the basic structure is similar, the size and intricacy can vary greatly.

Overall, orb-weaver spider webs are masterpieces of natural engineering, combining strength, functionality, and beauty. The spiders themselves are fascinating creatures, constantly adapting their webs for efficiency and survival.

Spider, Macracantha arcuata, Orb Weaver Papered Specimen