EGG SAC STRUCTURE OF ZYGIELLA<i>X</i>-NOTATA (ARACHNIDA, ARANEIDAE)

Abstract

A detailed examination of the egg sac of Zygiella x-notata (Clerck 1757) revealed its structure, composition and different fibers. All egg sacs were composed of a basic layer, an insulation layer and an outer layer. The insulation layer consisted of two layers of cylindrical (or tubuliform) fibers with different diameters and probably with different mechanical properties. Knowing the complete structure of the egg sac allows us to locate and extract the needed fibers for further research and to observe how the egg sac composition alters in relation to the habitat.