spider web preservation tutorial with materials list

The delicate and intricate geometric shapes of a spider's web can be preserved and enjoyed with only a few materials and a little practice.

Materials Needed

sheet of black paper (construction paper works well)
can of hairspray
can of white or gold spray paint or talcum powder
can of spray varnish
cardboard box large enough for the paper to fit in

First find a few spider webs. This should be relatively easy since spiders usually build a new one every day. The following procedure can be a bid tricky and will need a bit of practice so it's good to find several webs. First make sure the web is not being used by its builder. You can gently tap the web and check to see if the occupant is home or look around the edges for the spider.

Gently spray the web with gold or white spray paint. Hold the box behind the web to protect and collect any spray not hitting the web. Make sure the spray does not damage the web but only covers it with paint. Another method not using paint, is to gently sprinkle the web with talcum powder by pouring some powder on your palm and blowing it onto the web. place the black piece of paper in the box and spray it with hair spray. You will have to act quickly since the spray dries quickly. The most difficult part is next and will usually require a bid of patience. Place the sprayed tacky piece of paper behind the web and gently bring it into contact with the web. Carefully cut the strands of the web supporting it from its surrounding vegetation. Finally to preserve the web, spray the paper with the attached web with a protective coat of varnish. Make sure all spraying is done in the cardboard box to protect the adjacent area. Now you can display the interesting geometric patterns of your own spider web for months to come.

~Jim Fregonara~

Reprinted with permission from WV Wildlife Diversity News