One or more trap lines extend from the retreat to the orb web.

Many build orb webs with a diameter of less than 3 cm.

Their orb webs can have diameters of up to 70 cm.

This is suspended among foliage well away from the orb web.

An orb web is more clearly seen if you "take it" on to a wire loop.

During the process of making an orb web, the spider will use its own body for measurements.

It also avoids the energy loss of weaving a large orb web.

The spider stays in the middle of the lower orb web hanging upside down.

About half the potential prey that hit orb webs escape.

However there is no single explanation for the common use of horizontal orb webs.