Capturing a Spider Web

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Capturing a Spider Web All spiders can produce different types of silk from organs called spinnerets. However, only orb weaver spiders, such as the Black and Yellow Garden Spider (Argiope aurantia) found in Central Virginia, spin the classic, beautiful spiral webs. There are spiders, such as the net-casting spiders, that make sticky nets to “fish” for prey. Others like the black widow, make messy, clumpy “cobwebs.” Still others, such as tarantulas, make no webs at all but instead use the silk to line their burrows or surround their eggs. As you explore your neighborhood and beyond, look for spiders’ webs. They can be found in many different places. Look but don’t touch! How many different types of webs can you find? Can you find the spider? Do you see any insects caught in the web? Many orb weavers spin a new web each day. You can collect one to keep if you are careful. Just make sure it’s no longer occupied so you don’t capture or harm the spider! www.smv.org Capturing a Spider Web What You’ll Need What You’ll Do • Black construction paper or Find an orb spider web. You could also look for spider webs that are laying poster board on top of the grass or a bush. • White spray paint These are easiest to spot in the mornings. If the web is damp with dew, • Newspaper mark the location and come back later when it is dry. • Scissors Make sure the spider is not in its web! You do not want to injure the spider • A partner or adult helper as they are an important part of the ecosystem. The spider will make a new web once its old one is gone. Hold the can of paint about a foot from the web and spray it at an angle to the web. Spray paint on both sides. Have your partner hold up a piece of newspaper to catch the paint that misses the web. Quickly place your piece of stiff paper against the web, lifting the web onto it. Have your helper cut the long silk threads that hold the web to the supporting plants. Lay your collected web on a flat surface for several minutes while the paint dries. A scientist always records data about their collections, so remember to label your web with the date and location where you collected it. You can now frame your web!.

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