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| spider anatomy | |
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Although web decorations are common in a number of spider species in the families Araneidae , Tetragnathidae and Uloboridae , most people know them from spiders in the genus '' Argiope ''. This genus includes a number of species known as the St Andrew's Cross Spider , so named because of the characteristic cross-shaped web decoration. However, spiders in this genus also construct web decorations as a vertical line and juveniles commonly construct disc-shaped decorations. While the most conspicuous and well-studied decorations are constructed entirely of silk, some spiders combine silk with other items such as egg sacs and debris. It seems likely that these decorations camouflage the spider, thus providing protection against predators. However, one interesting case occurs in some species of the golden orb spiders in the genus '' Nephila ''. These spiders commonly attach lines of uneaten prey items to their webs. Recent studies have shown that these items help the spider to attract more prey. |
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