The Amazing Web-Spinners: Different Types of Spider Webs
Spiderwebs are a common object that can be seen both indoors and outdoors. Occasionally, you may glimpse the web's tiny architect, patiently perched atop the web, but it's more likely to see it abandoned. This gives you a chance to observe the intricate details crafted out of silk threading.
How spiders create their webs has been pondered and studied for centuries. In modern times, researchers have discovered some interesting facts about the spider web. These studies revealed that spiders can create a multitude of spider web designs. Let's explore some of the most common design patterns.
The Orb Web
Orb weaver webs are strikingly beautiful to gaze at and easy to recognize. These circular webs are typically large, and their pattern resembles a wagon wheel with spokes. Since spiders have been around since before humans began recording history, a web like this may have sparked inspiration for creating the first wheels. Regardless, the orb web is iconic because it's made countless appearances in spooky books, films and TV shows.
Created by web weavers from the Araneidae family, they are mainly seen in outside gardens and forests. An interesting fact about the orb web is that web weavers take down their web each night and rebuild them the next day.
The Funnel Web
Spiders belonging to the Agelenid family are the architects of funnel webs. Also known as funnel-weaver spiders, they use their funnel design to carry out sneak attacks and to hide from danger. A funnel web is typically horizontal and flat with the funnel sitting atop the web base.
The Cobweb
Cobwebs are the type of web most often seen inside the home. They can seem like they appear suddenly out of nowhere, and they always look messy. Also known as a tangled web, Theridiidae spiders are responsible for their existence. Indoor cobwebs are often found in the corners of a ceiling or windowsill.
The Mesh-Web
Mesh webs have a similar appearance and structure to cobwebs. The main difference is that these webs are usually found outdoors, while cobwebs are constructed indoors. Spiders making these webs come from the Dictynid family.
The Sheet Web
Sheet webs are among the sneakier types of spider web designs. Crafted by spiders from the Linyphiid family, these webs cover areas of outdoor grass, plants or tree branches with thick layers of sturdy silk. The spiders weave thin strands at the top to stop unsuspecting insects which are then easily knocked down into the sticky lower layer.
The Triangle Web
With its shape resembling a slice of pizza, this web design has an elegant appearance. Three elongated spokes serve as the structural base for two rows of silky spirals. The web's texture is fuzzy instead of sticky which causes the smothering of trapped prey.
The Woolly Web
This outdoor web design is made from thick-textured silk that is electrostatically charged. They are typically horizontal structures with a haphazard geometrical appearance.
What is the Purpose of Spider Webs?
In addition to being curious about spider web pattern types, you may also have questions about the function of spider webs. Keep reading to find out some fun facts about functionality.
Prey Traps
Spider webs are essential to the survival of every species of spider. The main function of the web is to attract and capture prey for food. Depending on the spider species, how a web captures prey varies among different designs. A cobweb, for instance, has an irregular pattern that lays in wait for small insects to get stuck. Some orb-weaver spiders may use the web to wrap their prey in a silky cocoon to preserve it for a later meal. Funnel webs have multiple uses, including sneak-attacking prey, creating an entryway to a den and egg storage.
Getting Around
Imagine how cool it would be to create a road or bridge whenever you want to get from one place to another. Spiders can also use webs as another means of transportation.
Healing Properties
According to Discovery Magazine, the silky substance spiders use to create their webs contains an ample amount of Vitamin K, a coagulant that can be used to help stop bleeding. This use was discovered long ago by ancient Greeks and Romans who used spider webs to treat soldier battle wounds. This natural wound treatment is also used in some areas of India. Research scientists continue to study spider web silk as a possible alternative burn healing treatment.
What Do Webs Symbolize?
Throughout history, some people have gazed upon a spider web and found it to be a powerful symbol for humankind.
Balance, creativity, connection, resilience - these symbols can be powerful for those who admire the web's unique design and find parallels to how humans live and interact with each other.
House Spider Pest Control
Spiders play an important role in our ecosystem, and there is much to admire about all the different types of webs weaved by these ever-present insects.
As admirable as they are, it's understandable that you prefer them to remain outdoors instead of inside your home. Minor infestations of spiders are common, and often you can take care of their presence by following a few tips for effectively removing spiders and spider webs from room spaces.
Some spider prevention actions you can take are sealing up any cracks, crevices or holes you find that may be entry points into the home. Do a thorough inspection of spider-friendly areas like attics, room corners, damaged floorboards, basements and crawl spaces. Repair holes in windowsills and repair or replace damaged screens. Spiders may also be hiding in storage bags, boxes and houseplants.
As for removing indoor webs, a vacuum can take care of these quickly.
If an indoor spider infestation gets out of hand, and your efforts to remove them permanently are unsuccessful, call the professionals for an eco-friendly solution.
References:
- Bay Nature
- Discovery Magazine
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