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Darwin's Bark Spider (Caerostris darwini)

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description Darwin's Bark Spider (Caerostris darwini) Overview

The Darwin’s bark spider, *Caerostris darwini*, is a species of orb-weaver spider found in Madagascar. It constructs exceptionally large webs, often exceeding 25 meters in diameter across waterways – the largest known spider webs. These spiders create strong bridge-webs utilized by various bird species for nesting and foraging. Researchers and arachnologists study *C.

darwini* to understand web construction techniques and predator-prey relationships within its ecosystem.

help Darwin's Bark Spider (Caerostris darwini) FAQ

Where was the Darwin's bark spider discovered?

The Darwin's bark spider (Caerostris darwini) was formally identified in Madagascar's Andasibe-Mantadia National Park in 2009. It was named in honor of the famous naturalist Charles Darwin on the 150th anniversary of his book "On the Origin of Species". It is entirely endemic to the island nation.

How large are the webs created by the Darwin's bark spider?

This orb-weaver constructs the largest and strongest orb webs ever recorded, often spanning up to 25 meters (80 feet) across rivers and streams. The spiders build massive bridge lines that allow them to anchor their webs over massive bodies of water. This allows them to catch flying insects that emerge over the river.

How strong is the silk of the Darwin's bark spider?

The dragline silk of Caerostris darwini is officially the toughest biological material ever measured, over twice as tough as the silk of the next strongest spider. It can absorb an incredible amount of kinetic energy before breaking. This extreme toughness is necessary to withstand the high-velocity impacts of large insects flying across open waterways.

Why does this spider build webs across rivers instead of in trees?

By suspending their massive webs over bodies of water, the spiders exploit a unique ecological niche to catch mayflies and dragonflies that swarm over the river. Predatory birds and monkeys also avoid crossing open water, keeping the spider's web safe from destruction. It is a highly specialized evolutionary hunting strategy.

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