January 14, 2025 | Miles Brucker

A brilliant researcher discovered that spider webs can actually be used to capture airborne environmental DNA.


Web Of Secrets

What if one of nature's most ancient traps could help us safeguard the future of endangered species? In a twist of scientific ingenuity, researchers have indeed turned to the humble spiderweb to become nature's surveillance system.

Spider Web - Intro

Scientific Publication

The study, which was published in the esteemed iScience journal on January 1, 2023, shows how natural structures can be imaginatively repurposed for scientific monitoring. In turn, helping to create new opportunities for ecological and conservation biology research. 

ScientistPixabay, Pexels

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Initial Research Concept

Morten Allentoft and his research crew at Curtin University began what they called a "crazy idea"—the notion that spiderwebs could capture airborne environmental DNA from nearby vertebrates. The team first conducted preliminary experiments in natural environments.

Curtin UniversityOrderinchaos, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Core Discovery

Scientists have found out that spiderwebs do a lot more than catch bugs. They can actually help track endangered species, too. By collecting and analyzing the environmental DNA that gets stuck in the webs, researchers can learn more about these animals and their habitats.

DragonflyPixabay, Pexels

Research Leadership

Lead author Joshua Newton pointed out that spiderwebs weren’t just pretty to look at; they could play a significant role in science by helping us understand and keep an eye on nature without bothering wildlife. This would bring a huge change in conservation research.

Spider WebJon Sullivan, Wikimedia Commons

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Scope Of The Study

In their study, the team carefully examined 49 different spiderwebs and successfully identified DNA evidence from around 93 different animal species. This demonstrated the effectiveness of spider webs as natural collection points for genetic material.

Spider WebBjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

DNA Sources

So, Environmental DNA (eDNA) originates from biological sources, including animal cells, bodily fluids, waste products, and decomposing organic matter. When animals move through or interact with their environment, they continuously leave behind such genetic traces.

CellFayette Reynolds M.S., Pexels

Steps To DNA Sourcing

The process of studying eDNA typically involves four major steps. First is sample collection, then comes DNA extraction, where it is extracted from the sample and purified. Third is amplification, and fourth is sequencing and identification.

Test TubesMikhail Nilov, Pexels

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Collection Of eDNA

Researchers collected spiderwebs from Perth Zoo and the Karakamia woodland sanctuary in Western Australia. Here, they discovered eDNA from 93 different species, including kangaroos and koalas, along with zoo animals like elephants and rhinos.

KoalaBurningWell, Wikimedia Commons

Zoo Validation

The testing at Perth Zoo provided an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of spiderwebs in capturing eDNA from known animal species. They found genetic material, including those from giraffes and rhinoceroses, specific to the zoo environment.

RhinoStolz Gary M, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wikimedia Commons

High Detection Rates

61 different vertebrate species' eDNA was found in the webs that were taken from the Perth Zoo. The larger animal biomass in the zoo is thought to be the cause of this high detection rate since it raises the possibility of eDNA being caught on the web. 

Perth ZooOrderinchaosderivative, Georgfotoart, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Non-Invasive Advantage

With this technique, scientists can swab spiderwebs for DNA, gaining information about local wildlife without disturbing their habitats. It is particularly beneficial for studying endangered species, as it minimizes stress on the animals.

Spider WebInspiredImages, Pixabay

Cost-Effective Advantage 

It also reduces field effort, as collecting spiderwebs is generally less labor-intensive than traditional monitoring methods that require extensive fieldwork and animal handling. This can lead to cost savings in research projects.

SavingsPefertig, Pixabay

Daily Monitoring Potential

The use of certain spider species, mainly orb-weavers, presents an exciting opportunity for researchers to conduct daily surveys of animal presence in specific areas. These spiders are known for their habit of reconstructing their large, intricate, wheel-shaped webs each day.

Orb Weaver SpiderCharles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Daily Monitoring Potential (Cont.)

This daily cycle means that researchers can get new samples regularly, raising the frequency and reliability of monitoring efforts. Also, by sampling spiderwebs daily, scientists are able to track changes in animal presence over time. 

ScientistsMikhail Nilov, Pexels

Local Accuracy

Then, through careful analysis, the research team discovered that spiderwebs can only collect eDNA from animals that are currently or have been recently present in the immediate vicinity. This makes them highly reliable indicators of local wildlife populations.

AnalysisArtem Podrez, Pexels

Invasive Species Detection

The dedicated researchers also successfully demonstrated the webs' ability to detect invasive species like red foxes, house mice, and black rats. They were, therefore, established as valuable tools for monitoring ecological threats and environmental changes.

 Red FoxI, Malene, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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Comparison To Traditional Methods

While traditional techniques often involve direct observation and active tracking, spiderwebs deliver a passive and unobtrusive means of monitoring wildlife. This is particularly true for species that are elusive or tough to detect.

ScientistRDNE Stock project, Pexels

Remote Applications

Scientists are intrigued about the potential value of using spiderwebs for environmental DNA collection in remote or difficult-to-access areas where traditional wildlife monitoring methods might be impractical, dangerous, or impossible to implement. 

Spider WebJohann Ravera, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Natural Filtration System

The research team also emphasizes that spiderwebs serve as sophisticated natural filtration systems. This is because they effectively snatch airborne DNA particles that can provide insights into the presence of various vertebrate species in the environment. 

Spider WebPixabay, Pexels

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Species Coverage

Based on the study, it was proved that spiderwebs could capture eDNA from terrestrial animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Importantly, the research also confirmed that spiderwebs can trace eDNA from arboreal (tree-dwelling) species. 

BirdProfberger, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ecosystem Understanding

The simultaneous detection of different species allows researchers to analyze food web relationships and interactions within ecosystems. Understanding how species interact, such as predator-prey dynamics, helps us understand the stability and resilience of ecosystems.

Food WebLadyofHats, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

Geographical Distinction

Additionally, the analysis of spider webs from two locations less than 50 km apart revealed distinctly different DNA profiles. That is, the woodland area showed 32 native species, while Perth Zoo samples identified 61 species, as we know, especially exotic zoo animals.

Perth ZooShinjiman, Wikimedia Commons

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Conservation Impact

Conservation scientists suggest that this innovative method could become an essential component of global conservation efforts, providing real-time data about species presence and movement patterns in threatened habitats.

Conservation ScientistRichardMcCoy, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Previous Research 

Earlier studies have also explored the potential of spider webs as eDNA samplers. For instance, research published in Molecular Ecology Resources showed that spider webs could catch DNA from many organisms, including fungi and bacteria.

ScientistThirdman, Pexels

Future Research Directions

Researchers indicate potential expansions of this technique, like the development of standardized collection protocols, investigation of DNA degradation rates, and integration with other wildlife monitoring technologies for ecological assessment.

ResearchingYaroslav Shuraev, Pexels


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