The effects of capture spiral composition and orb-web orientation on prey interception

Abstract

Cribellar prey capture threads found in primitive, horizontal orb-webs reflect more light, including ultraviolet wavelengths, than viscous threads found in more derived, vertical orb-webs. Low web visibility and vertical orientation are each thought to increase prey interception and may represent key innovations that contributed to the greater diversity of modern, araneoid orb-weaving spiders. This study compares prey interception rates of cribellate orb-webs constructed by Uloborus glomosus (Uloboridae) with viscous orb-webs constructed by Leucauge venusta (Tetragnathidae) and Micrathena gracilis (Araneidae). We placed sectors of cribellar and viscous threads side by side in frames that were oriented either horizontally or vertically. The webs of both U. glomosus and L. venusta intercepted more prey when vertically oriented. In each orientation L. venusta webs intercepted more insects than did U. glomosus. Although this is consistent with the greater visibility of cribellar threads, the more closely spaced capture spirals of L. venusta may have contributed to this difference. Micrathena gracilis webs intercepted more prey than did U. glomosus webs, although web orientation did not affect the performance of this araneoid species. The stickier and more closely spaced capture spirals of M. gracilis may have enhanced the interception rates of this species and accounted for the greater number of smaller dipterans retained in its webs. The tendency for these slow, weak flight insects to be blown into both horizontal and vertical webs may account for similar interception rates of horizontal and vertical M. gracilis webs. These observations support the enhanced prey interception of vertically oriented orb-webs, but offer only qualified support for the contributions of lower visibility viscous capture threads.