

Camera model Olympus SP-320
Date/time 21.06.2006/15:17:51
Exposure time 1/320 s
F-number f/5.6
ISO 64
Focal length 8 mm
Moderators: Chris S., Pau, Beatsy, rjlittlefield, ChrisR
This large white zigzag of its web is called the stabilimentum or web decoration and its function is controversial. The function of the stabilimentum has been debated for a long time. It is no longer thought to stabilize the web. It is believed that the spider uses it to camouflage itself and to warn birds not to fly through the web. But there are also other hypotheses. Perhaps the most important function of stabilimenta is to attract insects. The silk of the stabilimentum reflects UV light and pollinating insects are lured to these threads. If the spider is attacked it starts shaking vigorously in her web. The whole web becomes white because of the stabilimentum. This frightens of attackers. Some species makes a cross or cilcular shaped stabilimentum.beetleman wrote:Very nice spider shot Nikola. I like his bullet shaped abdomenOne question, does anyone know why some orb spinning spiders have those spokes of zig-zag silk in the web "what does it do"