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.