Sheet-webs are built by a variety of unrelated spiders. Some of these spiders are common, but information on their web construction behavior is scarce. This study describes the sheet-web construction behavior of Melpomene sp. (Agelenidae) and the sites where webs are built. I recorded the beginning of sheet-web construction by several spiders and analyzed photographs of webs in the field and the laboratory. Web construction consisted basically of two alternating behaviors: laying support threads and the filling in the sheet. These behaviors were repeated during several construction sessions until the available area was filled, or until the web reached approximately 80 cm2. Apparently the spider uses both ampullate and aciniform lines for web construction, contrary to a recent description.
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1 April 2011
Sheet-web construction by Melpomene sp. (Araneae: Agelenidae)
Andrés Rojas
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The Journal of Arachnology
Vol. 39 • No. 1
April 2011
Vol. 39 • No. 1
April 2011
aciniform lines
ampullate lines
funnel web
Web building behavior