Spider Web Decorations May Redirect Vibrations

Why some spiders decorate their webs remains unsettled, but a new study adds a fresh clue. Modeling the wasp spider’s ornate stabilimenta, researchers including Gabriele Greco found that a central, blob-like patch could reroute otherwise lost vibrations across the web, potentially improving signal reach to the spider. The effect appeared only when vibrations began tangential to the spiral threads. Outside experts said the approach revives an old idea but warned the circular models may miss real-world asymmetry. Field tests are planned; the paradox endures.