Spiderwebs are spiders whose weaving technique can delight even a professional weaver. Once scientists even conducted a funny experiment - they sent two representatives of this species to one of the orbital stations. Imagine their surprise when these creatures, even in conditions of complete weightlessness, managed to create a web of ideal form and structure.
What else do we know about these spiders? For example, where do they live? What do they eat? And how dangerous are they for people?
general information
Spiderworms are spiders whose family has more than 3 thousand species. Given this, it is safe to say that they lead among similar creatures. However, this also means that it is rather difficult to give them a general description. Indeed, despite some similarities, their external differences can drive into a stupor even an experienced researcher.
What unites them all? The correct answer is the web, all the spinners weave it. Spiders of this species, despite all their differences, create networks of a similar shape. It is difficult to confuse it with the creations of other arachnids, since it has an almost perfect shape. Looking at it, you can clearly distinguish both the main threads and the additional ones in the form of circles.
The appearance of spiders
These representatives of arachnids can boast the richest set of skin tones. They can be both snow-white and poisonous green. In general, the color of their body depends on the habitat and serves as a kind of natural camouflage.
But there is also something that makes all representatives of the type of Orb-Weaver look alike. Spiders of this family have a large abdomen, which in its volumes greatly exceeds the cephalothorax. Also on the front pair of paws there is a special process, thanks to which they weave their web.
Habitat
Stalking networks of orbiting spiders are scattered all over the world. They can be found both in North and South America, in Africa, Europe and even Australia. Some representatives of this species feel quite confident on the territory of Russia. In particular, the most common is the spider-cross.
If we talk about the preferences of these arachnids, then we can confidently say that they like quiet and cozy corners, hidden from prying eyes. Therefore, they are trying to weave their web in those places where contact with the human world is minimal.
However, sometimes they can change this rule. The reason for this is the desire to find land rich in food. Therefore, do not be surprised that the spider-spider decided to settle in the garden or in the garden. Indeed, in such places there is a lot of prey, which, by the way, is often a pest.
How does a spider weave its web?
As you might have guessed, a spider web is needed not only for aesthetic pleasure. In practice, this is a powerful hunting mechanism, honed over many centuries by evolution. How does he work?
The construction of a new network begins with the fact that the spider launches one end of its web behind the wind in the hope that it will catch, for example, on a tree. After the goal is achieved, the spider, using the newly-made bridge, begins to weave other branches of the web.
Moreover, he has two types of threads in stock. One is strong and elastic, the second is sticky. He uses the first for the construction of a web framework. The second is wound in circles in a spiral, in order to cover it with as much area as possible.
Along the entire web there is a signal thread, vibrations from which are able to inform the hunter that the victim flew into the trap. After which he can only wait a bit until the production is finally entangled in the network.
What do orbiting spiders eat?
The basis of the diet is insects, which managed to get into the network. In this case, the spider rarely attacks immediately. In most cases, he will wait until the victim is a little tired and stops trembling, after which he will approach it.
The spider does not eat the whole victim. He injects special toxins into it that corrode the victim from the inside. Then he just drinks the contents, like a thick soup, and throws the rest down.
Orbiting spider: poisonous or not?
Many are interested in how dangerous it is for others, including people. Well, this arachnid has poisonous glands. But its toxins are dangerous only to insects and small mammals. In particular, it can cause paralysis in them.
As for people, for them the bite of a spider-spider is not fatal. But the pain from him will continue to haunt the poor fellow. True, spiders rarely bite people, it is much easier for them to jump to the ground and run away than to get involved in a meaningless fight with a giant.
Cross spider
In Russia, there is also a spider orbiting. Photos of this arachnid are presented in the article. His name is a cross. In general, this type of spider is not much different from its relatives. He got his name thanks to the pattern on the belly in the form of a cross. You can meet him both in the forest and in an ordinary park.
Often they are difficult to notice, as they hide from people. But with the advent of autumn, everything changes - their mating season begins. At this time, females weave webs in the most prominent places, so that the male does not miss them. And only with the advent of the first cold weather they again hide in their shelter.