Orb-weaver spiders attract insects to their webs with ultraviolet (UV) decorations, a study has found.
The function of the intricate patterns in the webs of orb-weaver spiders is subject to much debate in the scientific community.
Previous explanations have identified them as bird scarers, mating signs, sun shades and camouflage.
Researchers now suggest the UV light-reflecting patterns could trick flying insects into landing on them.
Scientists from the University of Incheon, South Korea, undertook the study published in the journal Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology.
They studied wasp spiders (Argiope bruennichi), a species common throughout Europe, north Africa and parts of Asia, which are named for the females' familiar striped abdomens.
Continued: http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/19639387
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