The web structure and the predatory behavior of Menosira ornata Chikuni (Araneae: Tetragnathidae)

Abstract

Menosira ornata was found to have two types of web. One was a normal horizontal tetragnathid web and the other was a specialized web consisting of only radii. The early juveniles were found on the normal horizontal web, but the late juveniles and matures constructed the specialized web. The predatory behavior on the specialized web was also observed. Most of the prey were tipulidid flies and spiders. M. ornata directly captured flying insects approaching the web, or captured the spider walking on a radial thread.