Abstract
I HAVE frequently observed that when a shock of any kind is imparted to the leaves or twigs, to which the web of the garden spider is affixed, the animal shakes violently in the centre of the web, so as to become almost or totally invisible to the eye; this quivering or dancing motion being kept up for many seconds, and then suddenly stopped. The same thing occurs, I have noticed, when a stick is presented suddenly to the occupant of the web. The reason for these movements, which appear to be effected by the spider in succession pulling the upper portion of the web downwards by means of his strong hindermost pair of legs, and then suddenly releasing it (the natural elasticity of the web greatly assisting the occupier in the execution of these movements), seems to be founded upon a desire on the part of the spider to effect concealment when it feels that danger is near; just as we notice gnats and crane-flies dance rapidly up and down, evidently with the desire of rendering themselves invisible, whilst at rest on the window pane, trusting no doubt to their speedy flight and general invisibility for protection when on the wing.
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ROWBOTHAM, F. Habit of Spiders. Nature 26, 386 (1882). https://doi.org/10.1038/026386c0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/026386c0
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