Structure and morphology of web and silk spinning apparatus of spider, Argiope lobota (Pallas, 1772)

Abstract : Spider web is a complex structure produced by a living organism and have fascinated human beings since ancient time. There have been many studies on the ecology, biomechanics, behavior and evolution of webs. Argiope lobata (Pallas, 1772) species spiders are large and showy spiders. In nature, they weave large zig-zag webs. The main task of webs is hunting but there are spiders the ability to use the silk for functions far beyond web-building. Like many other spiders, A. lobata has venom and feed on insects. The oscillating motion is one of them. In this study, the web structure and silk spinning apparatuses morphology of A. lobato spider were investigated using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In the silk spinning apparatuses of A. lobato, there are 4 pairs of spinneret, a pair of anterior and a pair of posterior spinneret. Different numbers of spigots were detected at the ends of the spinnerets. Thin and thick silk fibrils were also seen.
Keyword : Spider, Argiope lobata, silk spinning apparatus, web, silk fibril
Author(s) : Kayhan, N. Y., Çorak Öcal, İ., Aktaş, Ü. H.
Downloads : 22
Published Issue : 2023 Vol. 18 Number 2


2023 Vol. 18 Number 2