Spiderwebs are not only useful for catching insects, but also for collecting DNA from the surrounding environment. A recent study showed that spiderwebs can reveal the genetic signature of animals, including endangered species. This finding opens up new possibilities for using spiderwebs as a source of environmental DNA for wildlife monitoring and conservation. The concept of using spiderwebs to track biodiversity is fascinating. But what’s more fascinating is the possibility that someday scientists will figure out how they can capture eDNA from spiderwebs at crime scenes that leads to the apprehension of violent offenders.

In the future, spiderwebs can be used for crime scene forensics in a similar way as they are used for wildlife monitoring. By collecting and analyzing spiderwebs from a crime scene, forensic scientists can potentially identify the DNA of suspects, victims, or witnesses that were present at the scene. For example, spiderwebs can capture the DNA of a suspect who touched a surface, left a blood stain, or sneezed near a web. Spiderwebs can also capture the DNA of a victim who was killed or injured by a suspect, or a witness who saw or heard something relevant to the crime. Theoretically, spiderwebs can provide valuable evidence that can link a person to a crime scene or exclude a person from suspicion.

To read more about how spiderwebs may be used to identify the DNA of suspects at a crime scenes and what the implications are of this novel technique, click here.