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Writing Spider
Fans of Charlotte?s Web would be familiar with this woodland resident. A writing spider waits in its stabilimentum line, the bright zig-zag running down the middle of the web. There are several theories about why the spiders build this line. It?s possible the stibilimentum helps stabilize the web. Another idea is that this line acts like safety strips on a glass door that can warn approaching birds of the web?s presence. And some research indicates that the line mimics flowers by reflecting UV light in a similar fashion, luring insects to their doom. This spider was found along the Elizabeth River Nature and Canoe Trail in Virginia Beach, Virginia. (Photo/Morgan Heim)