Distinct spinning patterns gain differentiated loading tolerance of silk thread anchorages in spiders with different ecology.

ABSTRACT: Building behaviour in animals extends biological functions beyond bodies. Many studies have emphasized the role of behavioural programmes, physiology and extrinsic factors for the structure and function of buildings. Structure attachments associated with animal constructions offer yet unrealized research opportunities. Spiders build a variety of one- to three-dimensional structures from silk fibres. The evolution of economic web shapes as a key for ecological success in spiders has been related to the emergence of high performance silks and thread coating glues. However, the role of thread anchorages has been widely neglected in those models. Here, we show that orb-web (Araneidae) and hunting spiders (Sparassidae) use different silk application patterns that determine the structure and rob

SUBMITTER: Wolff JO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5543232 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature