Does individual internal state affect the presence of a barrier web in Argiope bruennichii (Araneae: Araneidae)?

Abstract

A barrier web created by some orb-web spiders has a three-dimensional web structure made of nonsticky threads, which is believed to provide a defensive function against predators. To test for a possible antipredatory function, we investigated relationships between the presence of a barrier web and an individual’s internal state in the orb-web spider Argiope bruennichii, which builds orb-webs with and without a barrier web. Hunger level and molting as measures of internal state were represented by relative abdominal width and relative web size, respectively. Field survey showed that individuals with a wider abdomen and a smaller web tended to construct a barrier web. The positive relationship between body width and the presence of a barrier web supports the hypothesis of an antipredatory function as well-fed individuals are likely to expend more effort for defense. The small web size, however, may not be representative of molting because a correlation existed between web size and potential web substrates; therefore, the effect of molting on the presence of barrier web remains unclear.