Making the invisible visible: methods to enhance features of tiny spider webs

Solano-Brenes, Diego; Miranda, Ximena; Montero, Gilbert Barrantes

doi:10.1636/joa-s-18-011.1

Cited by 7 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 14 publications

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“…Other studies have used a similar technique for obtaining web measurements, using stills from a video recording containing a scale for calibration, emphasising the potential versatility of this approach (Rao et al 2019). Although we were unable to get clear photos of webs with our available camera even when webs were misted with water (Solano-Brenes et al 2018), other researchers may have more luck with their equipment and be able to use photography for scientific measurement of web size. Nevertheless, estimates of the accuracy of non-invasive web and other biological measurements would help contribute to the ethical practice of our field.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Negative allometry of orb web size in spiders and the implications for the evolution of giant webs

Paillard,

Arbuckle

2023

The Journal of Arachnology

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Spider webs, and in particular orb webs, are among the most iconic characteristics of spider biology. The evolution of, and developmental changes in, orb webs have been well studied, but we still have a limited understanding of allometric relations between the size of orb webs and spider body size. In this study, we investigate this relationship using measurements from 55 individuals of two common orb-weaving spider (Araneidae) species in South Wales, UK. We recorded body size using two methods: direct measurements with calipers, and estimations from photographs using ImageJ software. We found that these two methods give almost identical measurements, supporting the use of image-based size measurement in many situations where this is advantageous. We also found evidence for negative allometry of orb web size (relative to spider body length), such that larger spiders build proportionately smaller webs. This implies that the 'giant webs' in some orb-weaver species must be the result of a fundamental shift in the constraints or advantages which result in the allometric relationships described here.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%