Computer artwork showing the effects of chloral hydrate () on the the web-making ability of Garden Spiders (Araneus diadematus). A normal orb web (left) is designed to capture prey. It is made of tough, non-sticky, radiating silk threads interco


Computer artwork showing the effects of chloral hydrate () on the the web-making ability of Garden Spiders (Araneus diadematus). A normal orb web (left) is designed to capture prey. It is made of tough, non-sticky, radiating silk threads interconnected by an elastic, sticky spiral thread (hub). After construction, the spider will remove the central hub and remain there waiting for prey. A fresh web is usually constructed every 1-2 days and typically takes one hour to complete. A spider fed on chloral hydrate-dosed flies produces an incomplete web (right), with the spiral hub completely absent. Chloral hydrate is a sedative used for the treatment of insomnia. Originally published in NASA Tech Briefs, April 1995.


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Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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