For the first time, biologists observed how the red cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) - a bird about 20 cm in size - obtained food for itself.
Scientists saw that the red cardinal landedon the web, scared away the spider and began to eat insects entangled in the web. For two minutes, the bird moved along the web near its center. At the same time, the structure of the web was not broken: it withstood the weight of the moving cardinal.
Bird on Yoro's web. Image: Arty Schronce, Andrew K. Davis, Spider Ecology and Behavior
Yoro's web can be up to a meter in diameter.It is characterized by an unusual three-layer structure (a central ball and two additional layers in front and behind it) and high strength, comparable to silk, scientists say. In the sunlight, the threads of the web sparkle with a golden color.
Previous studies have shown that spidersthey use their threads not only for food, but also as a kind of parachute to move through the air to new places. The new work suggests that they also play an important role for the entire ecosystem, providing food not only for the spiders themselves, but also for small birds.
Spider Yoro in the center of the web. Image: Arty Schronce, Andrew K. Davis, Spider Ecology and Behavior
Yoro spiders are a species of large endemic spider.for Japan and East Asian countries, but has recently also spread throughout North America. The animals can reach 7.5 cm in size (up to 10 cm with legs extended) and are distinguished by an unusual pattern of black, yellow and red.
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Cover image: User:Twistingpoetry, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons