Behavior
Sonification of silk spinning by Notoligotoma hardyi
Sonification is a way to pick out patterns in behavior using our great sense of hearing.
Composed by Bruno Ruviaro, Santa Clara University
Watch webspinner nymphs run backwards, forwards & execute tight U-turns in their silk tunnels.
These insects are very soft-bodied throughout their lives.
An egg-guarding mother is necessary for the eggs to hatch. She also spins copious silk to support her nymphs. (Drawing by Edward Rooks)
Egg-guarding females react to intruding females with 3 distinct signals. Intruders always move away from this agonistic display unless it is a courting male who will remain nearby.