Navigational Capabilities of Spiders in Locating Webs

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the navigational capabilities of spiders in locating and constructing their webs, challenging the prevailing notion that spiders rely solely on trailing filaments in the breeze. Participants explore various observations and theories regarding how spiders may attach filaments in seemingly random or enclosed environments.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant observes that spiders can locate webs in diverse and enclosed locations, suggesting that trailing filaments cannot account for their placement.
  • Another participant questions the initial claim, arguing that air disturbances, even in seemingly still environments, could explain the placement of spider webs.
  • A participant provides anecdotal evidence, noting that cobwebs remain in place for extended periods, indicating limited air movement indoors.
  • It is suggested that spiders could traverse from point A to B to establish connections for web construction, even in closed spaces.
  • One participant asserts that personal theories should be supported by scientific studies, implying a need for empirical evidence in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the mechanisms by which spiders locate and construct their webs. There is no consensus on the validity of the claims made, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on personal observations and anecdotal evidence, while others challenge these observations without providing definitive conclusions. The discussion highlights the complexity of spider behavior and the need for further investigation.

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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