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Web-building spiders attract prey by storing decaying matter
Bojun T Bjorkman-Chiswell1, Melissa M Kulinski, Robert L Muscat
1Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
Die Naturwissenschaften
|May 18, 2004
Summary
Orb-weaving spiders Nephila edulis use decaying matter in their webs to attract prey. This novel foraging strategy relies on the scent of decomposing material to lure insects like the sheep blowfly.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Animal Behavior
- Predator-Prey Dynamics
Background:
- The orb-weaving spider Nephila edulis incorporates decaying organic matter into its web.
- Previous research indicated these debris bands serve as food caches for larger spiders.
- The inclusion of plant matter suggested functions beyond simple food storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of debris bands in Nephila edulis webs.
- To determine if the debris bands attract insect prey.
- To understand the role of decaying organic material in spider foraging strategies.
Main Methods:
- Experimental placement of organic and plastic items in spider webs.
- Observation of spider incorporation of materials into debris bands.
- Use of a Y-maze olfactometer to test insect attraction to debris bands.
Main Results:
- Nephila edulis incorporated organic items but not plastic items into their debris bands.
- Sheep blowflies (Lucilia cuprina) were attracted to recently collected debris bands.
- The attractive odor of the debris bands diminished over time.
Conclusions:
- Nephila edulis employs a novel foraging strategy by using decaying organic matter to attract insect prey.
- The scent of decomposing material acts as a lure for sit-and-wait predators.
- Regular replenishment of the debris band is likely crucial for maintaining its prey-attracting efficacy.