Navigational Capabilities of Spiders in Locating Webs

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The discussion centers on the unconventional observation that spiders may not solely rely on trailing filaments in the breeze to locate their webs, as suggested by Sir Richard Dawkins. The user notes that many spider webs are found in seemingly random indoor locations, far apart from each other, which contradicts the idea of wind-based web placement. They argue that the still air indoors and the consistent positioning of webs over time indicate that spiders likely have a method for attaching filaments to specific points without relying on air disturbances. The user has approached various experts for clarification but received no responses. They emphasize that the evidence, including webs formed across wind directions and on optimal attachment points, supports their theory that spiders can navigate and connect lines intentionally, rather than by chance. The discussion invites further insights into spider web construction methods.
gerigent
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Dear PF,

At least 30 years ago I first noticed a characteristic of spider web location which went against the popular and scientifically supported (Sir Richard Dawkins) notion that spiders located their webs by trailing filaments in the breeze and forming the web where they stuck.

It was clear from the number of webs I observed in odd locations that spiders, even quite small ones, were capable of attaching filaments to points so diverse that it could not have been done by trailing in the breeze. Firstly, because they were in-doors in still air and also separated by distances of 10's of feet. For example, between roof beams and corners of benches beneath, and of garage walls and the roof ridges of motor cars parked within.

I have no biological education but have approached a few authorities for an explanation (Bristol University, England, UK, Natural History Museum, London, England, UK and a BBC Wildlife Expert). I have not received any reply.

I have an idea about how the spiders do it but I would appreciate it if anybody knows how it is done to illuminate my ignorance.
 
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What makes you think the filament being carried by air-disturbances does not explain the placement of spider webs? Air is definitely not still indoors.
 
Firstly, I thought that I had explained why I think that already, but, as many a house cleaner will have noticed, a cobweb will hang down in the same place for months. Furthermore, the air in houses IS still for all practical purposes, unless windows and doors are open or there is a high level of draughts. Smokers will have noticed how smoke forms layers and remains substantially where it is unless a door or window is opened. Further, furthermore, I have noticed complete webs across the inside of motor cars left with all doors locked and in a closed garage, such webs having horizontal top bracing filaments which positively could not have been lodged where they were by chance. There is a wealth of evidence to support my observation, including that many, many webs in the hedge row are formed across the wind direction and are also most often lodged on optimum starting points like the tips of twigs and leaves, a feature very unlikely to have occurred if left to chance in the breeze. I hope that quells your doubts.
 
Personal theories without acknowledged scientific studies is not allowed.
 

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