Story perspectives

Massive Spider Colony Forms Record-Breaking Web in Cave

11/20/2025

Summary

Story summary

Researchers report over 100,000 spiders sharing what is believed to be the largest web on record, measuring 1,140 square feet, in Sulfur Cave on the Albania-Greece border.
69,000 barn funnel weavers (Tegenaria domestica) and over 42,000 sheet weavers (Prinerigone vagans).
The cave’s darkness may prevent aggressor Tegenaria domestica from preying on Prinerigone vagans.
Spiders feed mainly on non-biting midges.
The study raises concerns about possible overestimation of spider density.

1 of 1

Story summary

Researchers report over 100,000 spiders sharing what is believed to be the largest web on record, measuring 1,140 square feet, in Sulfur Cave on the Albania-Greece border.
69,000 barn funnel weavers (Tegenaria domestica) and over 42,000 sheet weavers (Prinerigone vagans).
The cave’s darkness may prevent aggressor Tegenaria domestica from preying on Prinerigone vagans.
Spiders feed mainly on non-biting midges.
The study raises concerns about possible overestimation of spider density.