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Opell, B. D. and H. S. Schwend. in press. The effect of insect surface features on the adhesion of viscous capture threads spun by orb-weaving spiders. The Journal of Experimental Biology.

Opell, B. D, A. M. Berger, and R. S. Shaffer. 2007. Body size of the New Zealand orb weaving spider Waitkera waitakerensis (Uloboridae) is directly related to temperature and affects fecundity.   Invertebrate Biology -- in press. [View Abstract]

Opell, B., A. Berger, S. Bous, and M. Manning. 2007. Genetic relationships of Amaurobioides (Anyphaenidae) spiders from the southeastern coast of New Zealand. Zootaxa, 1425: 1–10. [View Abstract] [Download Article]

Crews, S. C. and B. D. Opell. 2007. The features of capture threads and orb-webs produced by unfed Cyclosa turbinata (Araneae: Araneidae). Journal of Arachnology, 34: 427-434. [View Abstract] [Download Article]

Opell, B. D. 2007. Molecular phylogenetic evidence for the parallel evolution of rock ecomorphs in the New Zealand orb weaving spider Waitkera waitakerensis (Family Uloboridae). Journal of Arachnology. 34: 467-475. [View Abstract] [Download Article]

Opell, B. S. and M. L. Hendricks. 2007. Adhesive recruitment by the viscous capture threads of araneoid orb-weaving spiders. Journal of Experimental Biology, 210:553-560. [View Abstract] [Download available in July ]

Opell, B. D., J. E. Bond, and D. A. Warner. 2006. The effects of capture spiral composition and orb-web orientation on prey interception. Zoology 109:339-345. [View Abstract] [Download Article]

Opell, B. D. 2005. Family Uloboridae. pp. 250-253 in D. Ubick, P. Paquin, P.E. Cushing, and V. Roth, (eds.). Spiders of North American: An Identification Manual. American Arachnological Society. |Download Article|

Hawthorn, A. C. and B. D. Opell. 2003. van der Waals and hygroscopic forces of adhesion generated by spider capture threads. Journal of Experimental Biology, 206, 3905-3911. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 2002. Estimating the stickiness of adhesive capture threads in spider orb webs. Journal of Arachnology, 30:494-502. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Bond, J. E. and B. D. Opell. 2002. Phylogeny and taxonomy of the genera of south-western North American Euctenizinae trapdoor spiders and their relatives (Araneae: Mygalomorphae, Cyrtaucheniidae). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 136(3):487-534. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Hawthorn, A. C. and B. D. Opell. 2002. Evolution of adhesive mechanisms in spider cribellar prey capture threads: evidence for Van der Waals and hygroscopic forces. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 77:1-8. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 2002. How spider anatomy and thread configuration shape the stickiness of cirbellar prey capture thread? Journal of Arachnology, 30:10-19. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 2001. Egg sac recognition by female Miagrammopes animotus (Araneae, Uloboridae). Journal of Arachnology, 29:244-248. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 2001. Cribellum and calamistrum ontogeny in the spider family Uloboridae: linking functionally related but separate silk spinning features. Journal of Arachnology, 29:220-226. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. and J. E. Bond. 2001. Changes in the mechanical properties of capture threads and the evolution of modern orb-weaving spiders. Evolutionary Ecology Research, 3:567-581. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Bond, J. E., M. C. Hedin, M. G. Ramirez, and B. D. Opell.. 2001. MtDNA phylogeography of the Californian costal dune endemic trapdoor spider Aptostichus simus : deep molecular divergence in the absence of morphological and ecological change. Molecular Ecology 10:899-910. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. and J. A. Bond. 2000. Extensibilities of cribellar and adhesive capture threads of orb-weaving spiders: testing punctuated and associative explanations of character evolution. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 70:107-120. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D., J. S. Sandidge, and J. E. Bond. 2000. Exploring functional Associations Between Spider Cribella and Calamistra. Journal of Arachnology, 28:43-48. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Berry, J.W. and B. D. Opell. 1999. Proceedings of the XIV International Congress of Arachnology. Journal of Aracnology 27:1-261.

Opell, B. D. 1999. Changes in spinning anatomy and thread stickiness associated with the origin of orb-weaving spiders. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 68:593-612. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 1999. Redesigning spider webs: stickiness, capture area, and the evolution of modern orb-webs. Evolutionary Ecology Research, 1:503-516. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 1998. Economics of spider orb-webs: the benefits of producing adhesive capture thread and of recycling silk. Functional Ecology, 12:613-624. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Bond, J. A. and B. D. Opell. 1998. Testing adaptive radiation and key innovation hypotheses in spiders. Evolution, 52:403-414. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 1998. The respiratory complementarity of spider book lung and tracheal systems. Journal of Morphology 236:57-64. |View Abstract|

Bond, J. E. and B. D. Opell. 1997. Systematics of the spider genera Mallos and Mexitilia (Araneae, Dictynidae). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 119:389-445. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 1997. A comparison of capture thread and architectural features of Deinopoid and Araneoid orb-webs. Journal of Arachnology, 25:295-306. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 1997. The material cost and stickiness of capture threads and the evolution of orb-weaving spiders. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 62:443-458. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Bond, J. E. and B. D. Opell. 1997. The functional significance of medially divided cirbella in the spider genus Mallos (Araneae, Dictynidae). Bulletin of the British Arachnological Society, 10:239-241.

Opell, B. D. 1996. Functional similarities of spider webs with diverse architectures. American Naturalist, 148:630-648. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D., T. W. Schoener, S. L. Keen, and V. T. Davies. 1995. The new species Purumitra australiensis (Araneae: Uloboridae) with notes on its Natural History. Journal of Arachnology, 23:127-129. |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 1995. Do static electric forces contribute to the stickiness of a spider's cribellar prey capture threads? Journal of Experimental Zoology, 273:186-189. |View Abstract|

Opell, B. D. 1995. An easy method for excising DNA bands from agarose gels. Molecular Biotechnology, 4:201.

Opell, B. D. 1995. Ontogenetic changes in cribellum spigot number and cribellar prey capture thread stickiness in the spider family Uloboridae. Journal of Morphology, 224:47-56. |View Abstract|

Opell, B. D. 1994. Factors governing the stickiness of cribellar prey capture threads in the spider family Uloboridae. Journal of Morphology, 221:111-119. |View Abstract|

Opell, B. D. 1994. Factors affecting the diameters of axial fibers in cribellar threads of the spider family Uloboridae. Journal of Arachnology, 22:12-18. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 1994. The ability of spider cribellar prey capture thread to hold insects with different surface features. Functional Ecology, 8:145-150. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 1994. Increased stickiness of prey capture threads accompanying web reduction in the spider family Uloboridae. Functional Ecology, 8:85-90. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Holt, P. C. and B. D. Opell. 1993. A checklist and illustrated key to the genera and species of the Central and North American Cabarincolidae (Clitellata:   Branchiobdellida). Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington, 106:251-295.

Opell, B. D. 1993. A small, inexpensive microbalance suitable for field use. American Midland Naturalist, 129:403-405. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 1993. What forces are responsible for the stickiness of spider cribellar threads? Journal of Experimental Zoology, 265:469-476. |View Abstract|

Opell, B. D. 1992. Web-monitoring force exerted by the spider Waitkera waitakerensis (Uloboridae). Journal of Arachnology, 20:146-147. |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. and D. C. Konur. 1992. Influence of web-monitoring tactics on the density of mitochondria in leg muscles of the spider family Uloboridae. Journal of Morphology, 213:341-347. |View Abstract|

Opell, B. D. 1991. Uloborus kerevatensis , new name for Uloborus albolineatus Opell, 1982 (Arachnida, Araneae, Uloboridae). Bulletin of the British Arachnological Society, 8:287.

Opell, B. D. 1990. Measuring the mass of small arthropod muscles. Psyche, 97:171-174.

Opell, B. D. 1990. The relationship of book lung and tracheal systems in the spider family Uloboridae (Arachnida, Araneida). Journal of Morphology, 206:211-216. |View Abstract|

Opell, B. D., G. Roth and P. E. Cushing. 1990. The effect of Hyptiotes cavatus web-manipulation on the dimensions and stickiness of cribellar silk puffs. Journal of Arachnology, 18:238-240. |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 1990. Material investment and prey capture potential of reduced spider webs. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 26:375-381. |View Abstract|

Cushing, P. E. and B. D. Opell. 1990. Disturbance behaviors in the spider Uloborus glomosus as possible predator avoidance strategies. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 68:1090-1097. |View Abstract|

Cushing, P. E. and B. D. Opell. 1990. The effect of temperature on disturbance behaviors shown by the orb-weaving spider Uloborus glomosus (Uloboridae). Journal of Arachnology, 18:87-93. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 1989. Centers of mass and weight distribution in spiders of the family Uloboridae. Journal of Morphology, 202:351-359. |View Abstract|

Ware, A. D. and B. D. Opell. 1989. A test of the mechanical isolation hypothesis in two spider species. Journal of Arachnology, 17:149-162. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 1989. Measuring the stickiness of spider prey capture threads. Journal of Arachnology, 17:112-114. |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 1989. Do female Miagrammopes animotus (Araneae: Uloboridae) spin color-coordinated egg sacs? Journal of Arachnology, 17:108-111. |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 1989. Functional associations between the cribellum spinning plate and prey capture threads of Miagrammopes animotus (Araneida, Uloboridae). Zoomorphology, 108:263-267. |View Abstract|

Opell, B. D. 1988. Prey handling and food extraction by the triangle-web spider Hyptiotes cavatus (Uloboridae). Journal of Arachnology, 16:272-274. |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 1988. Ocular changes accompanying eye loss in the spider family Uloboridae. Journal of Morphology, 196:119-126. |View Abstract|

Opell, B. D. 1987. The influence of web monitoring tactics upon the tracheal systems of spiders of the family Uloboridae. Zoomorphology, 107:255-259. |View Abstract|

Opell, B. D. & A. D. Ware. 1987. Changes in visual fields associated with web reduction in the spider family Uloboridae. Journal of Morphology, 192:87-100. |View Abstract|

Opell, B. D. 1987. Changes in web-monitoring forces association with web reduction in the spider family Uloboridae. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 65:1028-1034. |View Abstract|

Opell, B. D. 1987. The new species Philoponella herediae and its modified orb-web (Araneae, Uloboridae). Journal of Arachnology, 15:59-63. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 1986. The choice of web-monitoring sites by a green Miagrammopes species (Araneae: Uloboridae). Psyche, 93:167-176. |View Abstract|

Opell, B. D. and Cushing, P. E. 1986. Visual fields of Orb web and single line web spiders of the family Uloboridae (Arachnida, Araneida). Zoomorphology, 106:199-204. |View Abstract|

Opell, B. D. 1985. Web-monitoring forces exerted by orb-web and triangle-web spiders of family Uloboridae. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 63:580-583. |View Abstract|

Opell, B. D. 1984. Phylogenetic review of the Genus Miagrammopes sensu lato (Araneae: Uloboridae). Journal of Arachnology, 12:229-240. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 1984. A simple method for measuring desiccation resistance of spider egg sacs. Journal of Arachnology, 12:245-247. |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 1984. Eggsac differences in the spider family Uloboridae (Arachnida: Araneae). Trans. Am. Micros. Soc., 103:122-129. |View Abstract|

Opell, B. D. 1984. Comparison of the carapace features in the family Uloboridae (Araneae). Journal of Arachnology., 12:105-114. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 1983. Non-glare material for positioning specimens during study. Journal of. Arachnology, 11:449. |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 1983. Lubinella , a new genus of Ulobordia (Arachnida: Araneae). Journal of Arachnology, 11:441-446. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. and W. G. Eberhard. 1983. Resting postures of orb-weaving uloborid spiders. Journal of Arachnology, 11:369-376. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 1983. A review of the genus Tangaroa (Araneae, Uloboridae). Journal of Arachnology., 11:287-295. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 1983. Checklist of American Uloboridae (Arachnida: Araneae). The Great Lakes Entomologist, 16:61-66. |View Abstract|

Opell, B. D. 1983. The female genitalia of Hyptiotes cavatus (Araneae: Uloboridae). Transactions of the American Microscopical Society, 102:97-104. |View Abstract|

Opell, B. D. 1982. A new Uloborus Latreille species from Argentina (Arachnida: Araneae: Uloboridae). Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington, 95(3):552-554. |View Abstract|

Opell, B. D. 1982. Cribellum, calamistrum, and ventral comb ontogeny in Hyptiotes cavatus (Hentz) (Araneae: Uloboridae). Bulletin of the British Arachnological Society, 5(8):338-343. |View Abstract|

Lubin, Y. D., B. D. Opell, W. G. Eberhard, H. W. Levi. 1982. Orb plus-cone webs in Uloboridae (Araneae), with a description of a new genus and four new species. Psyche, 89:29-64. |View Abstract|

Opell, B. D. 1982. Post-hatching development and web production of Hyptiotes cavatus (Hentz) (Araneae: Uloboridae). Journal of Arachnology.   10(3):185-191. |View Abstract| |Download Article|

Opell, B. D. 1981. New Central and South American Uloboridae (Arachnida: Araneae). Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History, 170(1):219-228.

Beatty, J. A. and B. D. Opell. 1980. Illinois water mites of the genus Arrenurus. The Great Lakes Entomologist, 13(3):173-176. |View Abstract|

Opell, B. D. 1979. Revision of the Genera and Tropical American Species of the Spider Family Uloboridae. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, 148(10):433-549.

Opell, B. D. and J. A. Beatty. 1976. The Nearctic Hahniidea (Arachnida:   Araneae). Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, 147(9):393-43.

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