Slingshot-web
Guides
Theridiosoma gemmosum
Common Eastern Ray Spider, Ray Spider
A small Holarctic ray spider distinguished by its unique conical orb web. Females measure 2–3 mm, males 1.5–2 mm. The species constructs a specialized web held under tension by the spider, which is released to snap forward and capture flying prey. Mating involves successive copulations with males providing silk draglines that females ingest as nuptial gifts between copulations.