Predator-decoy

Guides

• Cyclosa conica

  Conical Trashline Orbweaver

  Cyclosa conica is a small orb-weaving spider known for constructing distinctive vertical webs decorated with debris. Females measure 5.3–7.5 mm in body length, while males are smaller at 3.6–4 mm. The species is recognized by its unique behavior of stringing dead insect bodies and other debris vertically through the center of its web, forming a 'trashline' or stabilimentum. The spider positions itself at the hub of this debris, relying on its cryptic coloration to blend in and avoid detection by predators. When disturbed, it feigns death as a secondary defense.

  spiderorb-weavertrashlinecamouflagestabilimentumdebris-webAraneidaeCyclosaNorth-AmericaEuropecryptic-colorationthanatosispredator-avoidanceweb-architecturesmall-sizespring-maturationegg-sac-concealmentsexual-dimorphismweb-building-behaviorpredator-decoy