The source of the allusion is Spider-Man, specifically his "spidey sense." Wesley's heightened awareness on the trail, described as his spidey sense tingling, draws from the comic book character.
The source of the allusion in the sentence "Wesley picked up his pace on the trail as his spidey sense began to tingle" can be traced to the world of comic books, specifically to the iconic character Spider-Man. The term "spidey sense" refers to the heightened sensory perception possessed by Spider-Man, alerting him to imminent danger. This ability is a crucial aspect of Spider-Man's superhero identity and has become ingrained in popular culture.
Spider-Man, a creation of Marvel Comics, is the alter ego of Peter Parker, a high school student who gains superpowers from a radioactive spider bite. His "spidey sense" serves as an early warning system, tingling when danger is near, allowing him to react quickly to threats. The use of "spidey sense" in the sentence suggests that Wesley, like Spider-Man, is becoming aware of potential danger on the trail, prompting him to increase his pace.
This allusion adds a layer of vividness to the description, drawing on the shared cultural knowledge of Spider-Man and his abilities. It showcases how references to popular culture, such as comic books, can enhance language and communication by tapping into the familiarity and associations people have with well-known characters and their traits.