Orb weaver spiders build circles of silk with acoustic properties in mind. Spider webs sing siren songs. The unique sonic properties of a web attract flying insects, whose curiosity lands them in a sticky situation.
Pop-song webs is not the only lure these spiders have. Many orb weavers sport yellow stripes or spots – which seems an oddity – except that flying insects are attracted to yellow. Many such insects are nectar and pollen consumers, so have a good eye for the colors that flowers use on their billboards.
Yellow-flecked spiders are one of innumerable examples of specific adaptations which abet survival – evolution which critically depends upon environmental information which organisms themselves cannot possibly ascertain. How does an orb weaver know what sonic frequencies are most appealing to potential prey? Or that the yellow which spiders sport on their coats is alluring to their favorite food? They don’t.
Localized-but-unified coherence – the creator of Nature – comprehends what makes for the most interesting show. A balance is maintained such that life is both possible and a challenge.
Further reading:
Clarity: The Path Inside – an outline of how & why Nature is as it is.
Unraveling Reality: Behind the Veil of Existence – an introduction to the wonders of existence.
The Web of Life – an extended exposition on Nature.
The Elements of Evolution – a history of life on Earth & how evolution works.
References for this entry:
Ishi Nobu, The Web of Life, BookBaby (2019).
Po Peng et al, “High contrast yellow mosaic patterns are prey attractants for orb-weaving spiders,” Functional Ecology (11 February 2020).
Yao-Hua Law, “Bright yellow spots help some orb weaver spiders lure their next meal,” Science News (2 March 2020).