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THE STABILIMENTUM OF THE ORB WEB SPIDER, ARGIOPE ARGENTATA: AN IMPROBABLE DEFENCE AGAINST PREDATORS

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 May 2012

Michael H. Robinson  and
Barbara Robinson
Michael H. Robinson
Affiliation:
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Canal Zone (Panama)
Barbara Robinson
Affiliation:
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Canal Zone (Panama)
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Abstract

The stabilimentum of orb web spiders is a structure for which several functions, both mechanical and defensive, have been suggested. Argiope argentata (Fabricius) builds a stabilimentum in the form of a white diagonal cross. Analysis of over 2500 webs of this species shows that the perfect cross is seldom built and nearly two thirds of the webs contain no stabilimentum at all. Experiments with wild birds as predators show that they can use stabilimentum-like models in prey location. From these data, and a review of the defensive adaptations of orb web spiders, it is argued that the A. argentata stabilimentum is not an anti-predator device. The evidence for a mechanical function is reviewed and discussed. It is suggested that the stabilimentum provides the spider with a means of making a final adjustment to the mechanical state of the web when this is necessary.

Type
Articles
Information
The Canadian Entomologist , Volume 102 , Issue 6 , June 1970 , pp. 641 - 655
Copyright
Copyright © Entomological Society of Canada 1970

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