Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Cyclosa

Cyclosa is a of orb-weaver spiders in the family Araneidae, commonly known as trashline orbweavers, first described by German arachnologist Anton Menge in 1866 with the Aranea conica , 1772. The genus encompasses 180 accepted worldwide, characterized by their construction of relatively small orb webs featuring a prominent —a web decoration often consisting of a vertical or zigzag line of silk combined with debris such as prey remains, egg sacs, and plant matter, colloquially termed a "trashline." These spiders exhibit a distribution with extensions into temperate zones, occurring across , , , , , and , and some have been introduced to regions like and . Morphologically, Cyclosa typically possess a distinctive humped or conical , with females generally larger (body length 5–20 mm) than males, and many displaying patterned coloration for among foliage. The trashline stabilimentum serves multiple hypothesized functions, including visual signaling to to avoid the , attraction of prey, or even of predators in certain species, as evidenced by recent studies on Cyclosa from and the where debris arrangements resemble larger spiders. Notable species include Cyclosa conica, widespread in the Palearctic and introduced elsewhere, and Cyclosa turbinata, common in the Americas, both exemplifying the genus's web-building behavior and ecological role as predators of flying insects.

Taxonomy and etymology

Historical description

The genus Cyclosa was first described by the German arachnologist Anton Menge in 1866, drawing on extant spiders collected from European localities, particularly in Prussia. This initial characterization highlighted the distinctive orb-weaving habits and morphological features of the group within the orb-weaver spiders, marking an early effort to delineate it from broader categories of araneid taxa. Menge's work, published in the Schriften der Naturforschenden Gesellschaft in Danzig, laid the foundational taxonomy for the genus amid the 19th-century surge in arachnological studies of regional and fossil faunas. The for Cyclosa is Aranea conica , 1772, which Menge subsequently placed in the new , with later synonymy under Epeira conica reflecting transitional classifications in early arachnology. This designation by monotypy underscored the conical abdominal form and web-building traits central to the 's identity. Cyclosa belongs to the family Araneidae, a placement consistent since its inception. The etymology of Cyclosa derives from the Greek words kyklos (circle) and ao (to move), alluding to the circular motion employed by these orb-weavers in spinning their characteristic radial webs. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, taxonomic revisions by prominent arachnologists such as Tamerlan Thorell and Eugène Simon refined the genus's boundaries, distinguishing it from the more inclusive Epeira through detailed morphological and distributional analyses. Thorell's 1870 contributions, for instance, addressed species placements like C. conica, while Simon's comprehensive catalogs in the and solidified Cyclosa as a coherent entity amid ongoing synonymies and regional descriptions.

Classification within Araneidae

Cyclosa is classified within the family Araneidae, commonly known as orb-weaver spiders, and is placed in the subfamily Araneinae. This subfamily encompasses genera characterized by typical orb web construction and shared morphological features such as the arrangement of spinnerets and . Phylogenetic analyses, including molecular studies from the , have positioned Cyclosa within a that includes genera like and Neoscona, supported by shared traits such as orb web building and genitalic structures. A 2019 multilocus phylogeny confirmed Araneidae as monophyletic, with Cyclosa emerging as basal within Araneinae relative to and Neoscona, based on analyses of five genes across 158 taxa. Earlier cladistic work in 1997 further delineated Araneinae as one of two major s in Araneidae, emphasizing evolutionary relationships tied to web architecture. The Cyclosa, established by Menge in 1866 with Aranea conica as the , currently comprises 180 valid (as of November 2025) according to the , which resolves synonyms such as Parazygia Caporiacco, 1955, and Turckheimia O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1889, as junior synonyms of Cyclosa. Recent taxonomic updates include descriptions of new from , notably several from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, , published in late 2024 (Mi et al., 2024), and Cyclosa alba from (Suzuki et al., 2025), expanding the genus's diversity in tropical regions. These additions highlight ongoing refinements in Araneidae through field collections and morphological analyses.

Morphology and identification

Adult morphology

Adult Cyclosa spiders display characteristic orb-weaver morphology, characterized by a compact body structure adapted for web-building. Females are typically larger than males, with body lengths ranging from 3 to 15 mm, while males measure 2 to 10 mm; both sexes feature a and relatively slender legs suited for navigating webs. The is broader than long, convex in profile, and marked by a distinct U-shaped groove separating the narrow cephalic region from the wider thoracic area; it bears eight eyes arranged in two recurved rows, with the posterior median eyes closely spaced, and small, porrect equipped with a few teeth on the promargin and retromargin. The is often humpbacked or conical, extending posteriorly and covered in fine hairs that contribute to its textured appearance; spinnerets are prominent and ventrally positioned, facilitating production for construction and decorations. Coloration across the genus is predominantly cryptic, featuring shades of brown, gray, or silvery hues that blend with foliage, often accented by banded patterns on the legs; select exhibit silver-white patches on the , enhancing against predators. is pronounced, with females possessing a larger body size and a well-developed for egg-laying, whereas males have relatively enlarged pedipalps modified as sperm transfer organs, along with a more compact overall form. The prominent spinnerets underscore their role in producing the used for both orb webs and associated stabilimenta.

Variations among species

Cyclosa species exhibit considerable morphological diversity, particularly in body size and shape, which are key for taxonomic identification. For instance, Cyclosa turbinata females measure 3.3–5.2 mm in total length, featuring a bulbous with two prominent forward-facing humps near the anterior end, while males are smaller at 2.1–3.2 mm and lack these humps but display a variable posterior lobe. In contrast, Cyclosa bifida has a more elongated, cylindrical ending in an upward-pulled hump, with females reaching 10–15 mm in total length, including a of about 2.5–3 mm and of 8–12 mm. These variations in contour—from humped and bulbous to slender and tapered—reflect adaptations for and are prevalent across the , aiding delineation in regional faunas. Coloration and patterning further highlight interspecies differences, often enhancing in natural habitats. Cyclosa longicauda possesses an exceptionally abdomen that mimics twigs or , with a mottled pattern that blends into surrounding . Similarly, Cyclosa argenteoalba displays a distinctive silvery dorsum with black markings, conferring a metallic sheen that contrasts with the more subdued, variegated brown-and-white patterns seen in C. turbinata females. Such diversity in abdominal patterning, from twig-like to reflective silver tones, underscores the genus's evolutionary in visual strategies. Leg morphology varies notably in banding and coloration, contributing to challenges. In C. turbinata males, legs are with a single wide black band on the front pair, while females show less pronounced striping; C. bifida legs are moderately long, yellow with alternating brownish-black bands, and covered in silvery hairs and spines. Tropical species like C. bifida often exhibit more vibrant banding compared to temperate counterparts, though overall patterns range from plain to heavily striped across the genus. At the microscopic level, genital structures provide the most reliable diagnostic traits for distinguishing Cyclosa species. Female differ in scape width and shape—for example, the scape in C. argenteoalba is as broad as the itself, whereas in C. octotuberculata (a close relative) it is slender and wrinkled. Male palpal bulbs show variation in , such as the long, thin, and rostriform in C. octotuberculata versus twisted forms in other congeners, enabling precise taxonomic separation. These subtle differences in and configuration are critical for resolving cryptic species complexes within the .

Distribution and ecology

Worldwide distribution

The genus Cyclosa is native to all continents except , with its global presence spanning diverse biogeographic realms including the Palearctic, Nearctic, Neotropical, Afrotropical, Indomalayan, and Australasian regions. The highest species diversity is concentrated in tropical areas, particularly in , the , and , reflecting a pan-tropical distribution pattern. Asia serves as a hotspot for the genus. As of 2025, the World Spider Catalog recognizes 180 valid species worldwide. A November 2025 study described the new species Cyclosa inca from Peru, contributing to Neotropical diversity. Several Cyclosa species have been introduced outside their native ranges through human-mediated trade routes. Notably, C. conica, originally from Eurasia, has established populations in North America, where it was likely transported via commerce. Endemism is prominent on isolated islands, such as Madagascar, home to species like C. hova.

Habitat selection

Cyclosa spiders primarily select habitats in shrublands, forests, and gardens, where they position their webs in low , typically 1-2 meters above the ground to optimize prey interception in these structured environments. Species such as Cyclosa longicauda and Cyclosa inca favor forests and secondary rainforests, often along trails or in plantations, reflecting a preference for areas with moderate structural complexity and abundance. These spiders show notable adaptation to disturbed habitats, thriving in urban edges, parks, yards, and agricultural fields where human activity increases prey availability through and vegetation diversity. For instance, Cyclosa conica is commonly observed on bushes and trees in damp, shady urban-adjacent woodlands, demonstrating resilience to moderate disturbance levels that enhance opportunities without overwhelming stability. Cyclosa species exhibit vertical across microhabitats, with some, like Cyclosa argenteoalba, occupying open sites near forest floors, while others extend into canopy layers in more stratified , enabling coexistence from humid tropical lowlands to arid subtropical regions. This supports their broad ecological tolerance, as seen in distributions spanning moist Amazonian to drier field edges. In areas of , multiple Cyclosa coexist within the same habitats, such as edges or grasslands, by partitioning resources through differences in web height or decoration types, which reduce for prey. Studies of co-occurring like Cyclosa octotuberculata, Cyclosa argenteoalba, and Cyclosa sedeculata highlight how such niche in shared or settings promotes community stability.

Behavioral traits

Web architecture and stabilimenta

Cyclosa spiders, belonging to the family Araneidae, construct small to medium-sized orb webs that are typically vertical in orientation and measure 10-30 cm in diameter. These webs feature a classic orb structure composed of non-sticky radial threads extending from a central hub and a sticky capture spiral that winds concentrically around the radials to ensnare prey. The webs are generally rebuilt daily, allowing the spiders to maintain optimal tension and stickiness for effective foraging. The construction process follows a standardized sequence observed in araneid orb weavers. It begins with the laying of frame threads to outline the web's perimeter and anchor points, followed by the attachment of radial threads from the outward. An auxiliary spiral of temporary non-sticky is then spun to provide a scaffold for the final sticky capture spiral, which replaces the auxiliary as the moves inward. Stabilimenta, the distinctive decorative elements, are incorporated toward the end of construction or retained from previous webs, often along the central axis. Stabilimenta in Cyclosa webs are characteristically linear arrangements, often called "trashlines," composed of prey remains, egg sacs, silk tufts, or detritus such as plant material, aligned along the hub-to-spoke axis near the center where the spider rests. These decorations vary by species and conditions; for instance, in Cyclosa insulana, linear stabilimenta measure about 2.25 mm in length and incorporate debris like insect exuviae, while circular silk variants may form semicircles across radials in windy environments. In some species like Cyclosa ginnaga, discoid silk stabilimenta mimic bird droppings in appearance, with sizes around 0.63 cm² and spectral properties that blend the spider's silver body with the web decoration. The functions of these stabilimenta are multifaceted and context-dependent. They often provide by concealing the spider amid , reducing predation risk through masquerade as unpalatable droppings or larger threats, as seen in where decorations resemble bigger . Additionally, silk-based stabilimenta reflect (UV) light more intensely than other web silks, potentially attracting UV-sensitive prey like flies to the web. Some forms, such as circular stabilimenta in exposed sites, reinforce web integrity against wind, acting as mechanical supports rather than visual signals. Evidence from field studies shows decorated webs capture more in certain contexts, though the balance between attraction and defense remains debated across .

Predation strategies

Cyclosa spiders employ a sit-and-wait predation strategy, relying on their orb webs to intercept flying . Prey detection occurs primarily through mechanoreceptors on the spider's legs, which vibrations generated by struggling entangled in the web's sticky spiral threads. In such as Cyclosa octotuberculata, spiders enhance detection efficiency by adjusting radial thread tension, pulling vertical radii more strongly (mean displacement 3.11 mm) than horizontal ones (2.63 mm), thereby focusing sensory attention on vertical web sectors where prey retention is higher due to gravity. The typical diet consists of small flying , predominantly Diptera (flies, comprising up to 79% of interceptions in Cyclosa confusa), along with (moths) and Coleoptera (beetles). Upon detecting vibrations, the rapidly orients toward the prey by plucking web radii to pinpoint its location and rushes from its nearby retreat to the capture site. If the web's adhesive properties retain the long enough—typically seconds to minutes—the bites the prey, injecting paralytic via its to immobilize it. This process is highly efficient, with C. octotuberculata achieving successful captures in 92 out of 175 observed interceptions (approximately 53%), particularly in the lower web half where web area and gravitational retention favor prey entrapment. Following immobilization, the envelops the prey in for transport if necessary and injects that liquefy the insect's internal tissues, allowing the to consume the resulting nutrient-rich fluid through its sucking mouthparts. This external digestion minimizes energy expenditure and maximizes nutrient extraction. Predation efficiency is further bolstered by strategic web placement near paths, such as edges or trails, where prey abundance is high; studies indicate that such positioning can double interception rates compared to suboptimal sites.

Reproductive behaviors

Males of the Cyclosa typically initiate by approaching the 's and producing vibratory signals through plucking, bobbing, or jerking on guylines or a specialized thread, which transmits vibrations to alert the . These signals may be accompanied by displays, with multiple males sometimes competing by cutting rivals' guylines to disrupt their signals. In some species, such as Cyclosa argenteoalba, males construct a thread from which they send tapping and jerking signals to gain acceptance. Female responses vary, ranging from indifference to approaching the male or aggressively chasing intruders, potentially leading to grappling or rejection. Sperm transfer occurs through successive insertions of the male's pedipalps, each equipped with an , into the 's separate spermathecae, often requiring at least two insertions per bout. In Cyclosa argenteoalba, this process can culminate in genital , where the male removes part of the 's genitalia after contralateral insertions to prevent remating, though such extreme measures are not universal across the . Post- is rare in Cyclosa compared to other orb-weavers like Argiope, with males often escaping unharmed after brief copulations lasting seconds to minutes. Following , females lay eggs in sacs containing 50–200 eggs per sac, depending on species and conditions, such as approximately 196 eggs in Cyclosa caroli or 50–70 in Cyclosa argenteoalba. These sacs are typically attached to vegetation or incorporated into the web's trashlines or stabilimenta for among debris. Females produce multiple sacs over their reproductive period, with the first often the largest. Parental care in Cyclosa involves females guarding sacs by remaining nearby on the for several weeks until , protecting them from predators. Upon emergence, spiderlings disperse primarily via ballooning, using threads to catch wind currents. Adults have a lifespan of 1–2 years, with confined to a single season, after which females typically die post--laying. , with males smaller than females, facilitates male mobility during mate-searching while females focus on maintenance and .

Diversity and notable species

Species count and endemism

The genus Cyclosa comprises 180 accepted as of November 2025. Diversity within the genus is unevenly distributed across regions, with hotspots concentrated in tropical and subtropical areas. Approximately 60 occur in , particularly in countries such as and , while around 50 are found in the , spanning North, Central, and . hosts about 30 , predominantly in tropical regions, whereas has comparatively low diversity with roughly 10 , mostly in southern and Mediterranean areas. Patterns of are pronounced in isolated tropical habitats, underscoring the 's sensitivity to geographic barriers. Recent taxonomic efforts have expanded knowledge of endemism in , including descriptions of new species from Province, , in 2024, such as Cyclosa anjing and others from Xishuangbanna. No Cyclosa species are currently assessed as globally threatened on the ; however, local populations face risks from habitat loss driven by , , and in tropical ranges.

Profiles of selected species

Cyclosa argenteoalba is distributed across , including , , , , and the . This species exhibits a distinctive abdomen with varying ratios of silver and black coloration, where individuals with more silver are often less effective at capturing prey but may benefit from reduced predation risk. It constructs orb webs featuring stabilimenta, such as linear or zigzag silk decorations, which may serve defensive functions by deterring predators. When parasitized by the ichneumonid wasp Reclinervellus nielseni, C. argenteoalba displays altered behavior, including an upward-facing posture and construction of atypical webs, linked to elevated levels of hormone. Cyclosa mulmeinensis, native to including , , and surrounding regions, is known for its antipredator decorations composed of prey remains, eggsacs, and arranged in conspicuous patterns resembling silhouettes to deter . These decoys, built from and debris, function as visual distractions rather than , potentially increasing survival by drawing predator attention away from the . The ' web decorations highlight a risky yet effective strategy in tropical habitats where predation pressure is high. Cyclosa turbinata occurs throughout , from the to and the , inhabiting diverse environments like forests and shrublands. Characterized by a humped with two prominent tubercles, it constructs vertical trashlines in its orb web using prey remains, leaf fragments, and other to provide effective against visual predators. These decorations not only conceal the spider but also incorporate indigestible prey parts, reducing web maintenance needs while bolstering . Cyclosa longicauda is found in the Neotropics, particularly in Peru and surrounding Amazonian regions of South America. This species features an elongated, tail-like abdomen that aids in twig mimicry, allowing it to blend seamlessly with surrounding vegetation. Its stabilimenta, constructed from silk and detritus, can reflect ultraviolet light, potentially attracting pollinating insects as prey while serving as anti-predator decoys resembling larger spiders.

References

  1. [1]
    Gen. Cyclosa Menge, 1866 - NMBE - World Spider Catalog
    Cyclosa fissicauda Simon, 1889 = Cyclosa quinqueguttata (Thorell, 1881) (Tanikawa & Ono, 1993: 55). Cyclosa fusiformis (Taczanowski, 1878) = Cyclosa bifurcata ( ...
  2. [2]
    Trashline Orbweavers (Genus Cyclosa) - iNaturalist
    Cyclosa, also called trashline orbweavers, is a genus of orb-weaver spiders first described by Anton Menge in 1866.
  3. [3]
    Species list for Cyclosa - NMBE - World Spider Catalog
    Species list for Cyclosa · 1. Cyclosa alayoni, Levi, 1999, Catalog · 2. Cyclosa alba, Tanikawa, 1992, Catalog · 3. Cyclosa albisternis, Simon, 1888, Catalog · 4.
  4. [4]
  5. [5]
    [PDF] 945 Revision of Spiders From The Genus Cyclosa (Araneae - ijrbat
    ABSTRACT Six species of spiders of the genus Cyclosa Menge, 1866, collected from different habitat of Akola district i.e. from agroecosystem, garden ecosystem ...
  6. [6]
  7. [7]
    Genus Cyclosa - Trashline Orbweavers - BugGuide.Net
    An online resource devoted to North American insects, spiders and their kin, offering identification, images, and information.
  8. [8]
  9. [9]
    [PDF] Schriften der Naturforschenden Gesellschaft in Danzig - Zobodat
    MENGE. DANZIG,. Druck von A. W. Kafemann. 1866. © Biodiversity Heritage Library, http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/; www.zobodat.at. Page 2. © Biodiversity ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  10. [10]
    Cyclosa quinqueguttata (Thorell, 1881) - World Spider Catalog
    Spiders of the genus Cyclosa (Araneae, Araneidae) from Taiwan. Bulletin of the National Museum of Nature and Science Tokyo (A) 19: 51-64.
  11. [11]
    The American orb-weaver genera Cyclosa, Metazygia, and Eustala ...
    The American orb-weaver genera Cyclosa, Metazygia, and Eustala north of Mexico (Araneae, Araneidae). By. Levi, Herbert Walter, 1921-2014. Type. Article. Date of ...
  12. [12]
    Levi, 1977a - NMBE - World Spider Catalog
    The American orb-weaver genera Cyclosa, Metazygia and Eustala north of ... Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology 148: 61-127. download pdf -- Show ...
  13. [13]
    Complete mitochondrial genomes and phylogenetic relationships of ...
    May 21, 2021 · The araneid subfamilies Araneinae (genera Araneus, Cyclosa ... A revised phylogenetic analysis for the spider genus Clitaetra Simon, 1889 (Araneae ...
  14. [14]
    Phylogeny of the orb‐weaving spider family Araneidae (Araneae ...
    Apr 23, 2019 · We present a new phylogeny of the spider family Araneidae based on five genes (28S, 18S, COI, H3 and 16S) for 158 taxa, identified and ...
  15. [15]
    [PDF] A phylogenetic analysis of the orb-weaving spider family Araneidae ...
    As Levi (1992) noted, the ideal background for this analysis would be modern revisions of all araneid genera. Such revisions would make it easier to choose.
  16. [16]
    Description of six new genera and twenty species of the orb-weaver ...
    Dec 17, 2024 · Distribution of the examined specimens of Cyclosa anjing sp. nov ... The new species of the genus Cyclosa from China (Araneae: Araneidae).
  17. [17]
    A Revisional Study of the Japanese Spiders of the Genus Cyclosa ...
    Aug 8, 2025 · Etymology. The specific name is due to the shape of abdomen. Cyclosa onoi sp. nov. [Japanese name : Ono-gomigumo]. (Figs. 39-43). Specimens ...
  18. [18]
    Lobed Spiders - genus Cyclosa - Brisbane Insects
    Mar 18, 2010 · The spiders in this Cyclosa genus are small to medium size. They have elongated abdomen with two or three lobes on it. They build medium size ...
  19. [19]
    [PDF] Egg Sacs of the Orb-weaving Genus Cyclosa (Araneae
    Spiders of the genus Cyclosa are relatively small-sized orb-weavers with a widespread distribution that spans both New and Old Worlds and encompasses both ...
  20. [20]
    Cyclosa turbinata - Spiders of North Carolina
    Order: ARANEAE, Infraorder: Araneomorphae, Family: Araneidae ; Comments: Cyclosa: From Greek - 'to move in a circle, circling spider', referring to the spinning ...
  21. [21]
    The first records of Cyclosa bifida (Araneae: Araneidae ... - J-Stage
    Cyclosa bifida: Simon 1895, p. 779, fig. 852; Tikader 1966 ... A revisional study of the Japanese spiders of the genus Cyclosa Menge (Araneae: Araneidae).
  22. [22]
    web asymmetry, spider orientation and running speed in Cyclosa
    Some Cyclosa spiders face upwards, building upside-down webs with larger upper parts, while others face downwards, building normal webs with larger lower parts.
  23. [23]
    [PDF] the american orb-weaver genera cyclosa, metazygia and eustala ...
    THE AMERICAN ORB-WEAVER GENERA CYCLOSA,. METAZYGIA AND EUSTALA NORTH OF MEXICO. (ARANEAE, ARANEIDAE). HERBERT W. LEVI^. Abstract. Five species of. Cijclosa ...
  24. [24]
    Cyclosa - araneae
    1. Cyclosa algerica Simon, 1885. speciesimage. male · 2. Cyclosa concolor Caporiacco, 1933. speciesimage. female · 3. Cyclosa deserticola Levy, 1998. speciesimage.Missing: subfamilies | Show results with:subfamilies
  25. [25]
    A new species of Cyclosa (Araneae: Araneidae) from Southeast Asia
    Dec 25, 2018 · Distribution. Thailand, Singapore and Brunei. Acknowledgments. We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to the following people for. their ...
  26. [26]
    Cyclosa conica - araneae
    Araneidae Clerck, 1757 / Cyclosa Menge, 1866 8 species. Cyclosa conica ... Asia, China. Introduced to South Africa. Phenology. Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul ...
  27. [27]
    Trashline Orbweavers - Missouri Department of Conservation
    Nov 21, 2024 · Five species of Cyclosa occur in North America north of Mexico, but only two species occur in Missouri: Conical trashline orbweaver (Cyclosa ...
  28. [28]
    Summary for Cyclosa conica (Araneae) - Spider Recording Scheme
    It is widespread in western and central Europe. Habitat and ecology. The species is found on bushes and trees, often evergreen, in damp or shady situations, ...
  29. [29]
    Cyclosa mulmeinensis - Picture Insect
    Look for these webs close to the ground in gardens, fields, and forests. Adult Adult cyclosa mulmeinensis can be found in their completed orb webs which may be ...
  30. [30]
    Factors affecting the difference in foraging success in three co ...
    Mar 24, 2009 · Cyclosa argenteoalba constructs webs at open sites where prey is abundant, and has webs of dense mesh size, which may result in the high ...
  31. [31]
    Trashline Spider, CYCLOSA TURBINATA - Backyard Nature
    The trashlines consist of the sucked-dry carcasses of prey and sometimes egg bags. When disturbed, the spiders tend to shake their webs back and forth.Missing: characteristics | Show results with:characteristics
  32. [32]
    Episode 387 - Cyclosa Spider: The Decoy Weaver
    Sep 13, 2025 · Web Diameter of Cyclosa mulmeinensis. Cyclosa mulmeinensis has a web diameter of 10 to 30 cm (approximately 4 to 12 inches). a) The length of ...
  33. [33]
    Trashline Orb-weaving Spiders - Queensland Museum
    Web: Vertical, inclined or sometimes horizontal orb-web (up to 20 cm in diameter) usually with clumped or linear arrangement of prey remains or organic debris ...
  34. [34]
    Orb web construction: Interaction of spider (Araneus diadematus Cl ...
    Web construction proceeds through a sequence of three phases. It was found that a spider can repeat a phase, thus taking cues from the web, or it can go on, ...Missing: paper | Show results with:paper
  35. [35]
    [PDF] Function and structural variability of the stabili- menta of Cyclosa ...
    So far, the circular stabilimentum of the genus Cyclosa has never been interpreted from a functional point of view, except in the case of Cyclosa insulana ...Missing: characteristics | Show results with:characteristics
  36. [36]
    The function of web decorations in orb web spiders - Frontiers
    Accordingly, he called these zigzag-bands “stabilimenta”. To this date, this term is still synonymously used for web decorations and frequently found in the ...
  37. [37]
    Evidence of bird dropping masquerading by a spider to avoid ... - NIH
    May 29, 2014 · We found that: (1) the presence of the spider's decorations rendered its body indistinguishable from bird droppings in the eyes of its predators ...
  38. [38]
    Do stabilimenta in orb webs attract prey or defend spiders?
    Stabilimentum-decorated webs spun by Cyclosa conica (Araneae, Araneidae) trapped more insects than undecorated webs.Missing: architecture | Show results with:architecture
  39. [39]
    Why do orb-weaving spiders (Cyclosa ginnaga) decorate their webs ...
    This study provides evidence that C. ginnaga spiders that add silk decorations to their webs can increase their foraging success, thus supporting the prey ...Missing: architecture | Show results with:architecture
  40. [40]
    Attention focusing in a sit-and-wait forager: a spider controls its prey ...
    Predation behaviour starts when the spider becomes aware of intercepted prey trapped in the web, and tries to locate it by plucking radii (Díaz-Fleischer 2005).
  41. [41]
    A test of prey-attracting and predator defence functions of prey ...
    The functions of prey carcass decorations are unknown. By manipulating their presence on webs of Cyclosa confusa, we tested whether they attract prey. Insect ...
  42. [42]
    Prey capture and feeding - The Australian Museum
    Spiders have an amazing array of prey catching strategies ranging from simple ambushing to the use of complex silk snares.
  43. [43]
    Using Past Experience in Web Relocation Decisions Enhances the ...
    The purpose of this study is to test whether the integration of past and present foraging experience in web relocation decision enhances foraging efficiency ...
  44. [44]
    None
    ### Summary of Reproductive Behaviors in Cyclosa insulana (Araneae, Araneidae)
  45. [45]
    [PDF] The timing of female genital mutilation and the role of contralateral ...
    Cyclosa argenteoalba is a diurnal spider that occurs in Japan, Korea and ... The male did not exhibit any further mating behaviour, and left the web. I ...
  46. [46]
    [PDF] Sexual cannibalism in spiders: mating and foraging strategy
    Mar 27, 2020 · But there was no difference in egg sac energy content, clutch size and ... an orb-web spider, Cyclosa argenteoalba. Animal Behaviour, 57(6) ...
  47. [47]
    Clutch Size in Spiders: Is More Better? - jstor
    Cyclosa sp. 7 0 0-18 13.1 2.358 Eberhard 1979. Cyclosa caroli 8 1 0.12 18 3 2 ... Additionally, almost without exception, a spider's first egg sac is the largest, ...
  48. [48]
    Substitution of silk stabilimenta for egg sacs by Allocyclosa bifurca ...
    in Cyclosa and Allocyclosa, other than repeated mention that egg sac and ... care to damage the orb as little as possible ... egg sacs and apparently do ...
  49. [49]
    [PDF] RECORDED WEB PATTERN OF CYCLOSA MENGE, 1866 ...
    CONCLUSION: Genus Cyclosa Menge, 1866, an orb web builder shows a sturdy web with distinct stabilimenta (both linear and circular) providing support to the web ...
  50. [50]
    Courtship and Mating Behavior in Spiders - ResearchGate
    Aug 6, 2025 · Spiders, with their diverse mating systems and complex courtship and copulation, and sexual cannibalism (Robinson 1982; Singer and Riechert 1995 ...
  51. [51]
    Life-history variation in closely related generalist predators living in ...
    Cyclosa argenteoalba showed distinguishing reproduc- tive traits: shorter time to maturation, larger reproductive effort, larger relative clutch size, decreased ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  52. [52]
    SEXUAL CANNIBALISM, SIZE DIMORPHISM, AND COURTSHIP ...
    Cyclosa caroli. 6.0. 3.0 c. 7,11. Cyclosa insulana. 6.5. 3.5 c. 11, this study ... Comparative studies ofthe courtship and mating behavior of tropical araneid ...
  53. [53]
    Description of six new genera and twenty species of the orb-weaver ...
    Jan 23, 2025 · Six new genera and twenty species, including sixteen new, of the family Araneidae from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, south-west China are described.
  54. [54]
    Cyclosa argenteoalba - NMBE - World Spider Catalog
    Jun 11, 2025 · Taxon details. Family: Araneidae / Genus: Cyclosa. Cyclosa argenteoalba Bösenberg & Strand, 1906. Rank: Species ...
  55. [55]
    Body-colour variation in an orb-web spider and its effect on ...
    Aug 7, 2025 · Cyclosa argenteoalba has silver- and black-coloured areas on its dorsal abdomen, with the ratio of these two colours varying continuously among ...
  56. [56]
    (PDF) Do stabilimenta in orb webs attract prey or defend spiders?
    Aug 9, 2025 · This study was designed to test both hypotheses simultaneously in Cyclosa argenteoalba by examining whether spiders change web decorations ...Missing: silver posture
  57. [57]
    Proximate mechanism of behavioral manipulation of an orb-weaver ...
    Feb 3, 2017 · Here, we report that Cyclosa spider species exhibiting modified behavior presented higher 20-OH-ecdysone levels than parasitized spiders ...
  58. [58]
    Cyclosa mulmeinensis (Thorell, 1887) - NMBE - World Spider Catalog
    Jul 29, 2018 · Detailed taxonomic information about the spider families.
  59. [59]
    A risky defence by a spider using conspicuous decoys resembling ...
    We investigated a conspicuous antipredator behaviour in the orb spider, Cyclosa mulmeinensis, which adds decorations composed of prey pellets and eggsacs to its ...
  60. [60]
    (PDF) Detritus decorations of an orb-weaving spider, Cyclosa ...
    Aug 6, 2025 · Many species of the orb-web spider genus Cyclosa often adorn their webs with decorations of prey remains, egg sacs and/or plant detritus ...
  61. [61]
    Detritus decorations of an orb-weaving spider, Cyclosa ...
    Jun 15, 2009 · Spiders of the genus Cyclosa (Araneae: Araneidae) decorate their webs with not only silk but also prey remains, egg sacs and plant detritus ...
  62. [62]
    Cyclosa (Trashline orbweavers) | Humboldt Life - Lost Coast Outpost
    Cyclosa, also called trashline orbweavers, is a genus of orb-weaver spiders first described by Anton Menge in 1866. Widely distributed worldwide, spiders of ...