Researchers found over 111,000 spiders living together in what may be the largest spiderweb known to science. This incredible discovery is in Sulfur Cave, located on the border of Albania and Greece.
The web stretches 1,140 square feet and is made up of thousands of funnel-shaped webs. Lead author István Urák, a biology professor at Sapientia Hungarian University, calls it a remarkable example of spider cooperation.
This is the first evidence of social behavior in two common spider species: Tegenaria domestica, the barn funnel weaver, and Prinerigone vagans. Urák explained, “The existence of such a large group of these spiders is unique. It shows a different side to their behavior.”
While the cave is rich in sulfur, its dark environment leads to unique hunting practices. The spiders primarily feast on non-biting midges. Without light, they may not see each other as prey, unlike their behavior outside the cave, which is more competitive.
Urák highlights that everything in Nature has a role. This cave system relies on a sulfur-rich stream that supports a micro-ecosystem, where midges feed on biofilms from sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. The web supports creatures at various levels of the food chain.
Interestingly, the spiders here have different gut microbiomes compared to those found outside. This suggests they’ve adapted to their cave environment in a way that changes their physiology. “We often assume we know everything about a species,” Urák said, “but nature continuously surprises us.”
Historical comparisons show that knowledge about spider behavior has evolved significantly. In the past, many believed spiders were solitary creatures. However, this discovery challenges that notion, shedding light on the complex social dynamics that can exist in species typically seen as lone hunters.
As for the future, Urák emphasizes the importance of conserving this unique colony, especially given the cave’s location straddling two countries. The researchers are also planning further studies to deepen our understanding of Sulfur Cave’s extraordinary spiders.
Such discoveries remind us that even familiar creatures like spiders can display unexpected behaviors under specific conditions. You can read more about this fascinating study in Subterranean Biology here.
