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Hi everyone, interesting question here. How does a spider go about spinning its web. You see these spiderwebs going from one tree to the next but how on earth do they start it? How does a spider fix the one point and then go to the next tree (sometimes metres apart) to fix the other point from which the main web will be suspended. This is of course just one type of web but definately the one I can't figure out. Do they use the wind to get blown from branch to branch while suspending from a strand? Please, experts, enlighten me!! :-)

Very interesting thread Gjorgi I find those big spider webs in Kruger very intriguing.



Would be interesting to know

Hi gjorgi,

Interesting question that had me paging through my books.

I found quite a comprehensive description so it's better just to scan and post the pages.
Source: Filmer's Spiders
Author: Martin R. Filmer

Thanks JenB!
That is fascinating - just what this forum is about too; sharing knowledge and information!

Thanks JenB!!!

Only a pleasure and I happen to learn something new too.

Absolutely!

Spiders are such fascinating creatures, we have a few biggies in the garden and they do at times make their way inside but there is no killing in this house. They have to be transported safely outside again which results in a few interesting tales.

JenB for the info. I think some of those spider webs in Kruger are really impressive taking into account that they are manufactured by a creature so tiny, but what they put on show for all to see should take a moment of every visitor’s time. And they all look so different ...

Thank you JenB! That is most interesting.

One can maybe add to that:

"Four broad categories of webs are identified by Filmer (1991):

Sheet webs: These are closely woven and spread over the substrate. In the case of funnel-web spiders, the edge of the sheet enters a tube-like retreat. Other sheet-web builders hang suspended under the sheet awaiting prey.

Scaffold webs: These are complex, three-dimensional structures, often with a retreat of silk. These 'cobwebs' frequently gather dust and debris. Button spiders are typical builders of these webs, as are daddy long legs.

Tunnel webs: Many spiders construct tubes or cocoons in tunnel crevices, under rocks or in cracks in bark. Often a system of trip lines is rigged at the entrance to warn the spider of approaching prey.

Orb webs: These are the classic spider webs which are spun across the flight path of insects. There are many variations. Usually the spider waits at the hub of the web, or in adjacent foliage."

(From The Wildlife of Southern Africa, Edited by Vincent Carruthers.)