Distinct movement patterns generate stages of spider web-building

Abstract

The geometric complexity and stereotypy of spider webs have long generated interest in their algorithmic origin. Like other examples of animal architecture, web construction is the result of several assembly phases that are driven by distinct behavioral stages coordinated to build a successful structure. Manual observations have revealed a range of sensory cues and movement patterns used during web construction, but methods to systematically quantify the dynamics of these sensorimotor patterns are lacking. Here, we apply an analytical pipeline to quantify web-making behavior of the orb-weaver Uloborus diversus. Position tracking revealed stereotyped stages of construction that could occur in typical or atypical progressions across individuals. Using an unsupervised clustering approach, we identified general and stage-specific leg movements. A Hierarchical Hidden Markov Model revealed that stages of web-building are characterized by stereotyped sequences of actions largely shared across individuals, regardless of whether these stages progress in a typical or atypical fashion. Web stages could be predicted based on action-sequences alone, revealing that web-stages are a physical manifestation of underlying behavioral phases. HighlightsO_LISpider centroid trajectories indicate stereotyped progression of web-building stages. C_LIO_LIUnsupervised movement clustering reveals a shared set of movements which correspond to previously defined behaviors that define web-making across individuals. C_LIO_LIStages of web-building use both stage-specific and non-specific behaviors. C_LIO_LIStereotyped and distinct action sequences are predictive of stages of web-building. C_LI