Competitive Landscape
Orb weavers face competition from various predators, including birds, wasps, and ants. While orb weavers possess strong silk and web-building abilities, they are susceptible to being preyed upon due to their sedentary nature. In comparison to other web-building spiders, such as funnel weavers, orb weavers lack the agility and speed necessary to evade predators. Additionally, orb weavers' reliance on sticky webs can make them vulnerable to entanglement and predation.
Value Proposition
Orb weavers have evolved several adaptations to mitigate their vulnerabilities. Their strong silk enables them to withstand the force of predators and prey, while their ability to build complex webs provides a safe haven from larger threats. However, this strength also limits their maneuverability. In contrast, funnel weavers possess a smaller body size, allowing them to hide more effectively and avoid predators. Additionally, funnel weavers actively pursue their prey, rather than relying on webs, which reduces their susceptibility to predation.
