The Deinopidae family includes the net spider. These cribellate spiders are stick-like, elongated insects that catch their prey by stretching a web across their front legs. The net spider then propels itself forward and catches its prey. They can be found in trees and bushes. Here are some interesting facts about this species. And if you have ever seen one, you probably know just how useful it can be.
The spider places its head on top of a scaffold web and then grabs the net with its four legs. The spider waits for its prey, then flicks the net to trap it. It uses vibration to track flying insects and has a specialized sensory system that can detect walking prey. Its typical prey are moths. However, it can also eat a variety of other insects.
The net spider’s eyes are extremely sensitive to light. This adaptation allows it to see in darkness while it prepares for rest during the day. The f/0.58 aperture of its eye enables it to absorb more than 2,000 times the amount of light as a human. As a result, the net spider’s ability to perceive low light is exceptional. This ability has led to the spider’s nocturnal behavior.
The net is made from silk. It is not a permanent web, but instead a temporary platform that the spider hangs from to catch its prey. The spider starts building its net after sunset and takes about half an hour. It will rebuild its net if it is damaged. Unlike a web, the net spider’s net is made of wool-like cribellate silk that is coiled around its legs. The net is a very stable structure, and the spider will not move when it catches a prey.
The female Net-casting Spider is smaller than its male counterpart. The abdomen is larger and features two humps, one midway along the abdomen. The orange pattern beneath covers the body. This spider lays her eggs in late summer. A silk sac, enclosed by dry leaves, hangs one meter above the ground. The spiderlings emerge from their egg sacs in the spring. The Australian Museum Information Disk is an excellent reference.
A net-casting spider prepares to hunt for prey by suspending its silky net over a plant. The web is held by the four front legs, and then it falls towards the prey. The rapid descent and expanding of the net cause the prey to be incapacitated. The net spider’s venomous fangs allow it to capture flying and cursorial insects. So, this insect is considered a valuable food source.
The net-casting spider, a large species that catches insects by using their stingers, has a unique way of catching prey. Instead of using their stingers they create a narrow net with the front legs and extend it above their prey. Net-casting spiders are able to see their prey and have excellent eyesight. This species has large, forward-facing eyes that allow it to see prey even at night thanks to its large, forward-facing vision. Deinopis and Menneus spiders are commonly found in garden environments.
