Seasonal Variation in Whole-Body Elemental Concentrations and Excreta Production of a Riparian Orb-Weaving Spider (Larinioides cornutus)

Posted by
  Seasonal Variation in Whole-Body Elemental Concentrations and Excreta Production of a Riparian Orb-Weaving Spider (Larinioides cornutus) ABSTRACT Predators influence nutrient cycling by assimilating elements from their prey and returning nutrients to ecosystems via excretion and discarded prey remains. However, seasonal variation in the contribution of predators to nutrient cycling remains poorly understood, particularly for terrestrial arthropod predators such as spiders. We examined temporal variation in whole-body elemental concentrations, excreta C and N concentrations, and cumulative excreta output in a riparian orb-weaving spider ( Larinioides cornutus ) across the growing season of 2024. Adult females were collected across seven sampling periods spanning mid-June to early October, and whole-body concentrations of macronutrients (carbon [C], nitrogen [N], phosphorus [P]) and multiple trace elements were quantified. Whole-body N and P concentrations, and several trace elemen...

Web Structure and Silk Spinning Apparatus Morphology of the Spider Maimuna vestita (Araneae: Agelenidae)

Posted by

 


Web Structure and Silk Spinning Apparatus Morphology of the Spider Maimuna vestita (Araneae: Agelenidae)

Abstract

Spiders are organisms characterized by their webs. The method of silk spinning generally determines the shape of the web, which is species-specific. The shape of the web has evolved over time to be the most advantageous for the species in its natural environment. The web’s design reflects evolutionary inheritance specific to the species. Webs are designed with high elasticity and low recoil in order to capture prey effectively. In this study, the web structure and the morphology of the spinning apparatus of Maimuna vestita were examined by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Detailed images of the adhesive droplets on the silk of M. vestita were obtained. It was found that the distribution of adhesive droplets and silk fibrils varies in different parts of the web. Spider silk is a unique material known for its durability and flexibility, with different properties that vary between species. In M. vestita, the spatial arrangement of adhesive droplets in the web threads is influenced by both species-specific characteristics and ecological factors and offers potential applications in various scientific fields.

Yigit, Nazife & Öcal, İlkay & Akdeniz, Kader. (2025). Web Structure and Silk Spinning Apparatus Morphology of the Spider Maimuna vestita (Araneae: Agelenidae). Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology. 13. 3525-3528. 10.24925/turjaf.v13is2.3525-3528.8107.