The evolution of prey wrapping behaviour in spiders

The evolution of prey wrapping behaviour in spiders | Authorea try { document.documentElement.classList.add('js'); } catch (e) { } var _gaq = _gaq || []; _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'G-8VDV14Y67G']); _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']); (function() { var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true; ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s); })(); Skip to main content Preprints Collections Wiley Open Research IET Open Research Ecological Society of Japan All Collections About About Authorea FAQs Contact Us Quick Search anywhere Search for preprint articles, keywords, etc. Search Search ADVANCED SEARCH SCROLL Ecology and Evolution This is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Data may be preliminary. 12 May 2026 V1 Latest version Share on The evolution of prey wrapping behaviour in spiders Authors : Maitry Jani 0000-0003-2055-2905 [email protected] , Carmen Kapitel [email protected] , Michael B. J. Kelly [email protected] , Gabriele Greco [email protected] , Vincent Jackel [email protected] , Anna-Christin Joel 0000-0002-7122-3047 [email protected] , Susan Rachel Kennedy [email protected] , Henrik Krehenwinkel [email protected] , Martin Ramirez [email protected] , Peter Michalik 0000-0003-2459-9153 [email protected] , and Jonas Wolff [email protected] Authors Info & Affiliations https://doi.org/10.22541/authorea.15003129/v1 Under Review Ecology and Evolution Peer review timeline 34 views 24 downloads Contents Abstract Supplementary Material Information & Authors Metrics & Citations View Options References Figures Tables Media Share Abstract Prey wrapping behaviour, defined as the application of silk to immobilize and secure prey, is an iconic and ecologically important behaviour in spiders, yet its evolutionary origins and diversity remain poorly understood. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the evolution of prey wrapping behaviour across 113 spider species, representing all major extant lineages. To understand the behavioural variation and glandular origin of wrapping silks, we combined behavioural observations, high-speed videography, cryofixation experiments, and scanning electron microscopy. We identified two distinct wrapping types: silk-laying (direct spinneret contact with the prey) and hind leg wrapping (leg-mediated silk application on the prey). Contrary to prevailing assumptions that the aciniform silk glands are primarily used in prey wrapping, we demonstrate widespread involvement of multiple silk gland types, including aciniform, piriform, major ampullate, minor ampullate, and cribellar glands. Phylogenetic comparative analyses revealed that prey wrapping evolved convergently multiple times across spider lineages. Phylogenetic model comparison supported a sequential evolutionary pathway, whereby silk-laying evolved from the absence of wrapping and subsequently gave rise to the more complex hind leg wrapping form. Strong associations between hind leg wrapping and aerial web building behaviour support the hypothesis that both these behaviours evolved early and were subsequently lost repeatedly across lineages. These results establish that prey wrapping is a dynamic evolutionary trait embedded within a suite of spinning behaviours, with multiple origins, losses, and transitions among behavioural forms. By combining a robust phylogenetic comparative framework, alongside the integrative study of silk use, this work addresses a critical gap in understanding spider silk biology, linking morphological with behavioural adaptations to diverse foraging strategies. Supplementary Material File (supplementary_information_evolution_preywrapping_janietal_2026.docx) supplementary_information_evolution_preywrapping_janietal_2026 Download 1.74 MB Information & Authors Information Version history V1 Version 1 12 May 2026 Peer review timeline Under Review Ecology and Evolution 13 May 2026 Review Complete Collection Ecology and Evolution Authors Affiliations Maitry Jani 0000-0003-2055-2905 [email protected] University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany, 17489 View all articles by this author Carmen Kapitel [email protected] University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany, 17489 View all articles by this author Michael B. J. Kelly [email protected] View all articles by this author Gabriele Greco [email protected] View all articles by this author Vincent Jackel [email protected] University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany, 17489 View all articles by this author Anna-Christin Joel 0000-0002-7122-3047 [email protected] View all articles by this author Susan Rachel Kennedy [email protected] University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany, 17489 View all articles by this author Henrik Krehenwinkel [email protected] University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany, 17489 View all articles by this author Martin Ramirez [email protected] University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany, 17489 View all articles by this author Peter Michalik 0000-0003-2459-9153 [email protected] University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany, 17489 View all articles by this author Jonas Wolff [email protected] View all articles by this author Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 34 views 24 downloads .FvxKWukQNSOunydq8rnd { width: 100px; } Citations Download citation Maitry Jani, Carmen Kapitel, Michael B. J. Kelly, et al. The evolution of prey wrapping behaviour in spiders. Authorea . 12 May 2026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/authorea.15003129/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu . 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