Research Notes
Morphometric and spatial analysis of web-building behaviour in
two spider taxa
Aathipa P. Kumar,1 Kiran S. Kumar2
1Department of Zoology, University College, Thiruvananthapuram, 2Department of Zoology,
Malabar Christian College, Calicut, Kerala, India
Corresponding author: Kiran S. Kumar, Email: drkiranskumar22@gmail.com
Journal of Experimental Biology and Zoological Studies. 2(1): p 93-102, Jan-Jun 2026.
Received: 17/11/2025; Revised: 26/11/2025; Accepted: 29/11/2025; Published: 01/01/2026
__________________________________________________________________________________
Abstract
Web architecture in orb-weaving spiders reflects a complex interaction between behavioural,
environmental, and evolutionary factors. This study investigates the morphometric and spatial
variation in web-building behaviour of two sympatric orb-weaving spiders, Argiope pulchella
and Eriovixia laglaizei, inhabiting the cultivated landscapes of Bhoothakulam Grama
Panchayath, Kollam District, Kerala, India. Newly built orb webs were systematically sampled
using quadrat-based field surveys during a 16-month period from September 2020 to January
2022. Morphometric parameters, such as web diameter, height from the ground, angle, and
number of radiating lines, were measured and analysed. Results revealed distinct differences
in morphometric and spatial distribution within each species and between the two species. The
contrasting architecture and behavioural plasticity reflect adaptive responses to ecological
factors such as prey availability, environmental conditions, and predation risk. These findings
highlight how subtle variations in web geometry serve as behavioural and ecological strategies
enabling coexistence and resource partitioning among sympatric orb-weaving spiders.
Keywords: Argiope, behavioural ecology, Eriovixia, intraspecific variation, orb-weaving
spiders, stabilimentum, web architecture.
___________________________________________________________________________
Introduction
Spiders are an interesting group of primitive animals that are cosmopolitan in distribution,
except in polar regions and the ocean.[1] Argyroneta aquatica is the only known spider species
that spends its entire life underwater.[2] The majority of spider species construct webs as part
of their natural behaviour. It is estimated that the total global spider population has the capacity
to consume 400 to 800 million tons of insect prey annually.[3] There are five basic types of
spider webs, viz., the cob or tangle web, sheet web, wobbly web, funnel web, and orb web;
each is unique to a distinct species of spider. Spiders generally produce two different types of
silk, dragline silk and capture silk. [4] The former forms the radial threads from the outer edges
of the web to the centre, while the latter is designed to stretch and absorbs momentum when
prey collides with the web. Orb-weaving spiders demonstrate remarkable stereotyped
behaviour in web construction, which typically proceeds through three sequential phases:
establishing the frame and radii, weaving the auxiliary spiral, and finally constructing the sticky
capture spiral.[4] During the capture-spiral stage, the spider’s legs regulate spacing between
turns, ensuring the regularity that characterises orb-web architecture.[5,6]
Despite this regularity, orb webs also show considerable variation between and within
individuals. Factors such as humidity, temperature, and availability of attachment sites, as well
as intrinsic traits like body size and energetic condition, can influence web size and structure.[7–
10] A distinctive feature in some species, particularly those of the genus Argiope, is the
stabilimentum, a conspicuous silk band woven into the web’s centre. Its proposed functions
include prey attraction, predator deterrence, and camouflage for the spider.[11] Another
characteristic of some orb-weaving spiders is that they typically dismantle and rebuild their
webs daily. This strategy not only conserves silk but also enables efficient relocation of
foraging sites in response to shifting prey availability.[12] The balance between stereotyped
construction rules and behavioural plasticity underscores the adaptability of orb-weaving
spiders to both intrinsic and environmental pressures. The present study investigates the
intraspecific variation in web construction across two sympatric orb-weaving spider species.
Materials and Methods
Study site
The study was conducted in Bhoothakulam Grama Panchayath (Figure 1), Kollam District,
Kerala, from September 2020 to January 2022. The area is well connected to the nearby towns
of Kollam, Paravoor, and Varkala. The presence of numerous canals and water bodies
contributes to the high fertility of the soil, supporting the extensive cultivation of major crops,
including paddy, coconut, and banana. Fruit-bearing trees, such as jackfruit and mango, are
also common, along with tuber crops like cassava (also known as tapioca). For the present
study, two types of sites were selected: household premises with diverse shrub and tree
vegetation, and agricultural plots cultivating banana and coconut.
Figure 1: Sites where the study was conducted
(Sites 1 and 2 are household premises; sites 3 and 4 are agricultural plots)
Species selection
The orb webs of two spider species, namely Argiope pulchella and Eriovixia laglaizei, were
selected for the present study. Each study site was surveyed for one hour in the morning and
evening to locate orb webs.
Species identification
The two spider species, Argiope pulchella and Eriovixia laglaizei, were identified with the help
of morphological keys and identification guides[13–15] and were further confirmed with the help
of experts.
Sampling method
The quadrat method was followed for searching spider webs. For the study, quadrats measuring
5 × 5 m were identified to ensure uniform coverage and accurate representation of the habitat.
Only fresh and undamaged webs were selected. A diagrammatic sketch of each web was drawn
on drawing paper, and photographs were taken using a Nikon D5600 digital SLR camera.
Measurement of web parameters
The angle of each web from the ground was measured using a protractor. Height and diameter
of the webs were measured using a measuring tape. The radiating lines of each web were
manually counted from the ground, as well as with the aid of photographs.
Observations and Results
Orb webs of several species were observed during the study. However, only two species,
Argiope pulchella (Figures 2A-F) and Eriovixia laglaizei (Figures 3A-F), were selected for
detailed studies. A total of 60 webs of Argiope pulchella and 65 webs of Eriovixia laglaizei
were recorded, of which 50 webs from each species were considered for comparative analysis
and detailed observations. Pencil drawings illustrating the web pattern and typical web
structure of the Eriovixia laglaizei are presented in Figures 4 and 5.
Figure 2A-F: Images of Argiope pulchella from different locations with and without a
stabilimentum in the web
Figure 3A-F: Images of Eriovixia laglaizei from different locations
Figure 4A-B: Pencil drawings representing the web characteristics of the web of Argiope
pulchella and Eriovixia laglaizei
Figure 5: A typical web pattern of Eriovixia laglaizei showing the
important structural characteristics
Figure 6A-D: Quantitative analysis of web architecture in Argiope pulchella
Table 1: Quantitative analysis of web architecture in Argiope pulchella orientation.
No
Radiating Lines
Diameter of the orb
(cm)
Height from the
ground (cm)
Angle (˚)
1
38
30
126
80
2
32
26
100
80
3
34
30
120
80
4
36
29
118
82
5
31
24
125
80
6
36
30
120
80
7
32
28
114
80
8
44
50
145
80
9
28
20
200
82
10
53
24
125
80
11
50
30
130
80
12
54
35
130
80
13
32
44
140
75
14
28
30
120
80
15
34
25
200
75
16
52
30
150
82
17
30
31
100
80
18
42
22
200
75
19
50
20
190
75
20
34
30
145
82
21
36
42
130
80
22
52
50
160
80
23
29
30
135
75
24
36
24
200
82
25
42
25
170
80
26
36
32
100
75
27
34
30
115
80
28
28
43
134
78
29
50
50
126
80
30
51
30
200
81
31
34
32
200
80
32
32
30
140
82
33
31
20
135
75
34
36
24
180
75
35
45
26
175
80
36
46
30
160
82
37
34
50
140
75
38
36
20
120
80
39
36
30
130
80
40
40
46
170
82
41
52
42
200
75
42
50
30
140
75
43
36
29
100
80
44
34
30
150
82
45
28
30
132
82
46
34
28
129
80
47
36
46
156
82
48
34
50
176
75
49
30
30
182
76
50
49
20
198
80
The orb webs of Argiope pulchella contained 28 to 54 radiating lines (Table 1). Among these
those with 36 radiating lines were the most frequently observed, representing 20% of all
samples (Figure 6A). The web diameter ranged from 20 to 50 cm, with an average size of
approximately 30 cm, accounting for 34% of the recorded measurements (Table 1 and Figure
6B). The webs were observed in both shaded areas and areas with adequate sunlight. A zig-zag
decoration, known as a stabilimentum, characteristic of Argiope pulchella, was observed a few
days after the web was constructed. The webs were typically located 100–200 cm above the
ground (Table 1 and Figure 6C), although the height varied depending on the site's topography.
The webs were oriented at an angle of 75° to 82° (Table 1 and Figure 6D). Argiope pulchella
exhibited both diurnal and nocturnal activity, maintaining its web structure despite minor
environmental or other disturbances.
The webs of Eriovixia laglaizei had 17 to 26 radiating lines (Table 2), with 20 lines being the
most common in 26% of the samples (Figure 7A). The web diameter ranged from 32 cm to 116
cm, with an average web size of 34 cm, comprising 30% (Table 2 and Figure 7B).
Table 2: Quantitative analysis of web architecture in Eriovixia laglaizei
No
Radiating Lines
Diameter of the orb
(cm)
Height from the
ground (cm)
Angle (˚)
1
19
32
147
90
2
22
36
152
90
3
21
34
154
90
4
20
32
149
90
5
23
34
156
90
6
23
34
155
90
7
19
35
150
90
8
24
116
88
90
9
25
115
210
90
10
20
100
110
90
11
26
50
150
90
12
19
92
155
90
13
20
44
145
90
14
17
90
130
90
15
22
68
156
90
16
24
70
143
90
17
19
33
156
90
18
17
34
142
88
19
26
32
94
90
20
20
115
89
87
21
20
34
90
90
22
25
40
100
90
23
18
85
118
90
24
19
34
200
90
25
23
39
119
90
26
20
114
183
88
27
19
34
200
90
28
20
32
88
90
29
17
34
210
90
30
25
114
187
90
31
26
115
157
90
32
20
34
163
90
33
20
36
194
90
34
17
32
89
90
35
18
34
96
90
36
20
116
163
90
37
24
114
119
90
38
19
34
137
89
39
20
34
156
90
40
25
34
201
90
41
24
32
210
90
42
17
116
153
90
43
19
114
182
90
44
20
112
193
88
45
19
34
175
90
46
17
32
89
90
47
20
36
192
90
48
26
34
200
90
49
24
116
89
90
50
25
36
88
90
The webs were commonly observed during the early morning hours, when the environment
was slightly cold and humid. These were observed at heights ranging from 88 cm to 210 cm
above the ground (Table 2 and Figure 7C) and placed at an angle of 87° to 90° (Table 2 and
Figure 7D). Eriovixia laglaizei constructed its webs in the late evening after sunset, and
removed them after sunrise, probably as a response to the increase in atmospheric temperature,
subsequently moving to concealed resting sites. Eriovixia laglaizei would rapidly remove its
web and relocate to safer locations when disturbed.
Figure 7A-D: Quantitative analysis of web architecture in Eriovixia laglaizei
Discussion
In the present study, vegetation-rich sites, including agricultural plots and household premises,
at Boothakulam (Kollam District) were surveyed for spider webs. The surveys were conducted
during the early morning and evening hours. Although the orb webs of several spider species
were recorded, only those of Argiope pulchella and Eriovixia laglaizei were selected for
detailed study, as these two species are the most encountered and exhibit distinct contrasting
web architectures. The two species also differ in body size and prey capture strategies. Argiope
pulchella constructs large, strong, vertical orb webs with prominent stabilimenta (zigzag silk
decorations), which are believed to aid in attracting prey and avoiding predators.[16] Eriovixia
laglaizei, on the other hand, builds relatively smaller orb webs, usually without stabilimenta,
and rests near the hub. These spiders are well camouflaged, often resembling dried leaves.[17]
Such contrasting features make them ideal subjects for studying adaptive variations in web
architecture.
Although 60 webs of Argiope pulchella and 65 webs of Eriovixia laglaizei were recorded
during the surveys, only 50 webs of each species were examined in detail. Some Argiope
pulchella webs were constructed at considerable heights, making detailed observation and
photography difficult; such webs were therefore excluded from analysis. In the case of
Eriovixia laglaizei, webs located at inaccessible sites or at great heights were not selected for
study. Moreover, this species is highly sensitive to environmental disturbances, and any
interference often results in the spider removing its own web. To avoid causing harm or
disturbance to the spiders or their webs, such specimens were left unstudied. Analysis of the
collected data revealed intraspecific variations in web characteristics of both species.
Parameters such as the number of radiating lines, web size, orientation angle, and height from
the ground showed slight variations among individuals within each species.
Eriovixia laglaizei were smaller in size than Argiope pulchella, yet they construct
comparatively larger webs. Previous studies have explained that hungry spiders tend to
construct larger webs to capture bigger prey, and that the web size is not necessarily correlated
with the size of the spider.[18] Eriovixia laglaizei was usually found resting somewhere in the
middle part or hub of the web during the early morning hours. The spider removes its web at
dawn and constructs a new one at night, a routine that is repeated almost every day. This
behaviour likely serves to avoid predators and unfavourable environmental conditions, such as
high temperature and humidity, as well as disturbances from other animals and human
activities.
Eriovixia laglaizei removes its web when disturbed and relocates to a safer place. During web
construction, it releases fine silk threads from its spinnerets, which may drift on air currents
until these are attached to a suitable anchor point, forming the foundation for the orb web. The
completed web consists of radial spokes and sticky spiral threads coated with glue droplets,
creating an efficient trap that utilises minimal silk while offering a large capture area. However,
these webs are brittle, weaken quickly, and are often rebuilt daily. Before rebuilding, the spider
consumes its old web to recycle valuable silk proteins, which are energetically expensive to
synthesise.[19,20] This recycling process helps conserve energy and eases relocation when prey
availability decreases.[21] In contrast, Argiope pulchella maintains its webs throughout the day
and is less affected by minor disturbances.
The spiders construct their webs in an orderly manner, and species-specific manner, with only
slight variations observed among individuals of the same species. Webs of Eriovixia laglaizei
are typically positioned at greater heights compared to those of Argiope pulchella, which are
generally found closer to the ground. Eriovixia laglaizei constructs its webs both in open areas
and confined spaces, whereas Argiope pulchella predominantly prefers confined habitats. Webs
of Eriovixia laglaizei are oriented at an angle of 87-900, while those of Argiope pulchella are
inclined at a 75–820. The height and inclination of the webs may change depending on the
topography of the place and the abundance of prey. Spiders face a major challenge in their
web–building behaviour: how to maximise prey capture while minimizing energetic
expenditure.[22] Web construction is inherently expensive, requiring significant metabolic input
for silk production, considerable time, and exposure to predation risk.[17-24] Web damage can
impose substantial fitness costs due to reduced prey capture and the additional energy required
for repairing the web.[21,25,26] Web damage may result from a variety of factors, including the
impact of prey, collisions with larger non–prey animals, wind, rain, and falling debris.[17, 19, 22]
To avoid potential risks, spiders construct their webs at varying heights and orientations.
Argiope pulchella and Eriovixia laglaizei exhibit distinct differences in the height and
orientation of their webs, both intraspecifically and interspecifically.
Argiope pulchella belongs to the family Araneidae, and it is a downward-facing spider known
to build the classical vertical orb webs. Araneids are generally known as “sit and wait” foragers
owing to their specialised hunting strategy in which they remain at the central portion of the
web, known as a hub, from where they usually attack their prey.[27] The web of Argiope
pulchella is a complex structure, and its construction involves several steps. Prior to
constructing its web, the spider explores the available substrate. After weaving the primary rays
and the framework, a draft hub is created, marking the convergence of the primary rays. It then
constructs the secondary rays to complete the frame, followed by the tertiary rays. Starting
from the hub, the spider constructs a provisional spiral comprising dry (non-sticky) threads,
extending outwards with progressively increasing spacing. Finally, it returns from the periphery
towards the hub, weaving a sticky spiral thread which is neither regular nor tight. The spider
thus produces a web of intricate architecture.[28,29]
Compared to Argiope pulchella, Eriovixia laglaizei builds larger webs but with fewer radiating
lines. It is noteworthy that as the number of radiating lines increases, the size of the cells in the
web decreases, potentially leading to an increase in the web's strength. The webs constructed
by Eriovixia laglaizei are therefore weaker than those of Argiope pulchella. It was observed
that Eriovixia laglaizei swiftly removed its webs in response to environmental disturbances or
human activity. As mentioned earlier, the structural strength of the web increases with the
number of radiating arms, which could make rapid removal of the web somewhat difficult. This
may explain the comparatively fewer radiating lines observed in the webs of Eriovixia
laglaizei.[30,31]
In comparison, the webs of Argiope pulchella were more stable and structurally stronger.
Consequently, they possessed a greater number of radiating arms. Additionally, to reinforce the
web and deter predators, a decorative structure known as stabilimenta was added to its webs.
Such structures were absent in the webs of Eriovixia laglaizei. In summary, Argiope pulchella
constructed robust, well-organised orb webs characterised by dense radiating lines and a
prominent stabilimentum, which enhanced both stability and visibility. Conversely, Eriovixia
laglaizei constructed larger but more fragile webs with fewer radii and lacking a stabilimentum,
reflecting a comparatively weaker structural design.
Eriovixia laglaizei are better prey catchers than Argiope pulchella, as it is often observed with
prey entangled in its web during the morning hours. The various designs and structural features
of spider silk webs have a significant influence on spider behaviour. Webs not only enable
spiders to capture prey, but also provide them with an extensive perceptual field. The spider
can detect objects that touch the web, pass nearby, or become trapped. Due to its high
sensitivity, the spider can detect everything from rain and wind to a falling leaf or large prey.
Webs are thus a true extension of the spider's sensory organs, providing enhanced control over
its surroundings.[32] The arrival of prey is signalled to the spider through the transmission of
vibrations across the silk network, both upon impact and during the subsequent struggle of the
trapped prey.[19]
The webs of Argiope pulchella contain decorations called stabilimentum, which are absent in
the webs of Eriovixia laglaizei. These decorations, formed a few days after the completion of
the web, are made of silk, rich in protein, indicating a high metabolic investment by the spider.
Although their exact function remains debated, several hypotheses suggest that stabilimenta
serve multiple purposes, such as attracting prey, providing camouflage, functioning as a
moulting platform, enhancing web stability, attracting mates, or warning potential
predators.[11,33] Some studies have reported that webs decorated with stabilimenta capture or
intercept more flying insects than undecorated ones.[34]
In Argiope pulchella, the stabilimentum typically appears as wide zigzag or discoid white silk
bands near the hub of the web.[35] It may protect the spider from predators and facilitate prey
capture by making the spider appear larger or concealing its exact position.[36] Studies indicate
that well-fed spiders construct larger stabilimenta, while poorly fed ones produce smaller
stabilimenta or none at all. Although the presence of stabilimenta can reduce prey capture rates
by about 30%, it significantly decreases web destruction by birds (70% in undecorated webs
versus 30% in decorated ones).[37] According to some studies, decorated webs capture more
prey per unit area,[38], possibly by causing reflection of ultraviolet light. Despite these findings,
the precise function of stabilimentum remains controversial.[39].
From the present comparative study, it appears that even within a species, spiders exhibit
flexibility in their web-building behaviour to optimise prey capture under varying
environmental conditions. Such behavioural plasticity may be crucial for their persistence in
human-modified landscapes, where habitat structure and prey availability fluctuate
considerably. As this is a pilot study, further research involving a larger number of species is
required to validate and substantiate these preliminary findings.
Conclusion
The present study demonstrates that Argiope pulchella and Eriovixia laglaizei differ markedly
in their web architecture, strength, and functional efficiency. Argiope pulchella builds compact,
stable orb webs with stabilimenta that enhance visibility and prey capture, while Eriovixia
laglaizei constructs larger but structurally weaker webs without such decorations. These
variations directly influence each species’ hunting strategy, prey detection ability, and response
to environmental factors. Overall, the comparative analysis highlights how differences in web
design contribute to the ecological roles and adaptive behaviours of these two orb-weaving
spiders.
Financial support and sponsorship:
Nil
Conflicts of interest:
There are no conflicts of interest
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