Is this a spiders web?

[Desiderata]

My brother, who lives in North Devon, took this photo in early October this year. The "muck heap" has been created by a Farmer and is well rotted ready to be spread on the field.
The site is near a wood with mature trees but I don't think caterpillars can be involved at that time of the year.



When he first saw it he had the impression that someone had spread cling film on the heap, although he couldn't think why they would, but on looking closer realised that it was like a spiders web.

Has anyone seen anything similar or have any idea what type of spider/s would be involved?

Thanks
Desi

[Meta menardi]

It is very difficult to see what is going on there. I wonder if you could have a really good look to see what there is around there that may have made this.

I have worked in North Devon, could it be totally unknown outside the area?

[Desiderata]

Sorry that's all I have. The evidence is long gone. I don't live near enough to check out the site either.

But zummit made it me 'ansome.

[Fauna]

I hope someone can enlighten you on this one, as i saw something similar about 8 years ago in Monmouth. There was a large manure pile in a field, it was close to being 150ft long, 10ft wide and about 5ft high, and was nearly totally covered in a spider web/s. I was in awe when i saw this, but had no camera with me. I've also been kicking myself that i did not collect one of the many spiders that was on it for identification. They could have been anything, but what i can remember they did look similar to an Anelosimus sp...i believe this genus contains social spiders that are capable of making impressive sized webs. Though, they don't occur in the Uk, apart from two non social species in this genus??

I occasionally search the internet to see if any one has found anything similar in the UK, but i can only find references to similar sized webs from other countries...not as impressive as what i saw, and a species not found in this country.

A 60_Acre Web of Mystery

I hope someone can come up with something

[Desiderata]

That sounds just like this one Fauna even to it being on a manure pile. Maybe that's a clue. A spider that likes warmth.

I had a look at the url you sent and have now found another two. One in Texas A Truly Huge Spiders' Web - Do You Travel::View Blog

and one on this very site!

Spiders web for id please

There didn't seem to be any solution to the latter enquiry so looks like it may have to remain a mystery.

Desi

[faz]

wher in north devon i used to live in combe martin and visit ND 3 times a week welcome to WAB

[Desiderata]

Originally Posted by faz

wher in north devon i used to live in combe martin and visit ND 3 times a week welcome to WAB

My Brother lives about halfway between Exeter and Barnstaple Faz.
In fact I and my husband should be visiting there now but decided the weather conditions were against us. Maybe I can go look for the spider next year.

[faz]

i was in north devon today weather is ok on link road fields have light cover of snow roads ok though keep us informed if you get any more clues on the web