Where are orb-weaving spiders found?
Orb-weaving spiders are found worldwide. They prefer less windy areas with plenty of insects and can commonly be found in backyards, gardens and forests.
What is special about the web-building skills of orb-weaving spiders?
Orb-weaving spiders are speedy engineers that can build a new web in an hour. Some rebuild their webs every night. Their web-building process is very organised as they begin by leaving a silk thread into the wind so it anchors on a tree or wall. Then, they drop a weighted thread building a Y shape with a circular frame, to which they add radial spokes, creating a scaffolding and a sticky trap. The process is completed as they leave a small non-sticky area for themselves.
What is the ecological role of orb-weaving spiders?
Orb-weaving spiders act as pest control for their environment, as they consume insect populations as part of their diet.
