Ecology & Evolution

Side-back-overback spin-steps are commonly expressed by webspinners living exposed on surfaces, as typical for N. hardyi. Haploembia, in contrast, lives hidden under rocks. Her step dynamics are simpler.

Species living in tropical regions with higher rainfall and low seasonal variability show more variety in their spin-steps within a species. Individual differences are greater in such habitats. In stressful environments we find more robotic spinning.

Mothers treat eggs with cement, overlay with silk and gathered materials, or not. Complexity depends on potential biotic interactions, especially impactful in the tropics.