Zygiella atrica

(C. L. Koch, 1845)

Zygiella atrica is an orb-weaving in the Araneidae, closely related to the well-known Z. x-notata. It builds a distinctive orb web with two missing sectors and a signaling thread leading to a peripheral retreat. The is more brown in coloration than Z. x-notata and occupies natural away from human structures. It has been to North America from Europe.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Zygiella atrica: //zaɪˈdʒiːə.lə əˈtraɪ.kə//

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Identification

Distinguished from the closely related Zygiella x-notata by its more brown coloration and preference for bushes and rocky sites away from human habitation, whereas Z. x-notata is strongly associated with buildings and man-made structures. Both share the characteristic orb web with two missing sectors.

Habitat

Found on bushes and rocky sites in natural settings away from human habitation. In northeastern North America, has been observed building webs near the ocean.

Distribution

Native to Europe and northern Asia. to North America; recorded from northwestern Washington and southern British Columbia. Also present in southern Asia.

Behavior

Builds an orb web with two missing sectors and a signaling thread in the center leading to a hideout. Young construct a complete web without missing sectors.

Similar Taxa

Zygiella x-notataAlso builds missing-sector orb webs, but Z. x-notata is strongly associated with human structures (window frames, outdoor lights, buildings) while Z. atrica occupies natural away from houses. Z. atrica is also more brown in coloration.

More Details

Web chemistry

The sticky droplets of Z. atrica webs contain β-alaninamide, a novel small solute not previously detected in other araneoid . This compound appears alongside putrescine and GABamide, though whether its presence relates to proximity to saltwater remains unestablished.