Scientists have discovered that spiders use decorations on their webs to attract prey. Webs with thick white silk band designs in the center hub are more attractive to some prey. The bands reflect ultraviolet rays which insects are attracted to. In dark environments, more intricate webs are able to capture available light. The decision to decorate webs varies among spiders.
While many spiders wait for their web to ensnare prey wandering by, other spiders don’t leave their meals up to chance. These arachnids have subtle techniques to lure prey out of their comfort zone and into a trap. Scientists have found that webs with more thick white silk band designs in the center hub are more attractive to some prey. The bands serve as decorations that reflect ultraviolet rays which insects are attracted to.
In dark environments, more intricate webs showed they could capture what little light was available. There’s variation in this technique, though, and data suggests decisions about web decorations are strategic
Spiders Webs Prey Decorations Silk Ultraviolet Rays Insects
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