Jerusalem, Aug. 1 (V7N) – A rare natural phenomenon has transformed a valley near Jerusalem into what appears to be a scene from a fantasy film, with millions of spiders covering riverbanks and trees in vast sheets of web stretching for miles.
The unusual spectacle has appeared along the banks of the Nahal Sorek River, where mountains surround a narrow waterway now draped in dense, shimmering spider webs.
At first glance, the area resembles an abandoned ghost town, with trees, shrubs and vegetation almost entirely wrapped in silk.
Scientists say the phenomenon is the result of a unique ecological cycle rather than anything mysterious.
The Nahal Sorek River carries treated wastewater from Jerusalem, creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. The abundance of mosquitoes provides a rich food source for long-jawed spiders, allowing their population to grow rapidly during the summer months.
With food readily available, millions of spiders gather along the riverbanks and weave extensive webs to trap their prey. The favourable conditions also support rapid reproduction, leading to an even greater number of spiders each season.
The intricate webs, stretched across trees and vegetation, act as giant natural traps for swarms of mosquitoes that inhabit the area.
Experts note that the phenomenon is temporary. As summer comes to an end and temperatures begin to fall, mosquito populations decline sharply. With less food available, spider numbers also decrease, and the vast web-covered landscape gradually disappears.
The seasonal event is considered one of nature's remarkable ecological displays, demonstrating the close relationship between climate, insect populations and predator species. Within a few months, the valley is expected to return to its usual appearance as the spider webs naturally fade away.
END/SMA/AJ
