Now, scientists can now identify spider species by the DNA that they leave when they weave their webs.

This new study reveals how analyzing genetic material that are left on spider webs can also provide clues about their diet during the weeks after they catch their prey. These new findings also have future applications in monitoring some endangered species or even tracking pests according to scientists.

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For this study, scientists carefully examined black widow spiders in a zoo. Researchers from University of Notre Dame in Indiana claim that if their technique works on other spider species then this can result to more practical applications.

The researchers extracted some mitochondrial DNA off the webs of black widow spiders at the Potawatomi Zoo in Indiana. They found out that the black widow spiders and its prey, which are crickets, were identified via the DNA samples from the spider webs.

In addition, spiders can now be identified without physically collecting or capturing the spiders themselves, as scientists can now use this DNA traces on the webs. According to lead researcher Charles Xu, prior studies relied on examining the spiders' morphology and genitalia since they are all very distinct among different spider species.

He also adds how there are can be a lot of errors that can be associated with these kinds of methods but with this new genetic technology, spiders can now be identified with more accuracy. Researchers are particularly excited about how this new study led to using non invasive samples which means that scientists do not need to directly observe or capture spiders to obtain their DNA.

Experts now believe that this new DNA analysis of spider webs are especially useful for monitoring them and conservation efforts. This DNA fingerprint can provide clues where extremely rare or endangered spider species are dwelling, for scientists to map out their location.

This new study is published in the journal, PloS ONE. 

Tagsspider DNA spider webs, spider DNA, spider webs, spider webs reveal genetic DNA, spider webs genetic DNA, black widow spiders