How Do Spiders Make Webs?

The spider web is a very complex structure made to capture prey. Spiders are very efficient hunters, but their webs are also designed to keep flies away. It’s a complex system of threads, spirals, and sticky silk that keeps the prey in the trap.

In order to make a web, spiders use special organs on their abdomens to create silk. This silk is then stored in their internal silk glands. Scientists have tried to recreate this silk, but have not been successful.

There are 45,749 species of spiders on Earth. These species vary in the number of eyes, legs, and silk glands they have. Some species build simple webs to catch their food, while others have elaborately woven webs.

Unlike other animals, spiders have little brains. Their genetic code dictates how their legs move. When a spider feels vibrations in its web, it runs to capture the prey.

Spiders are adept at rebuilding their webs when they are damaged. They are able to build webs with less silk, saving energy. While they cannot repair the whole web, they can attach more strands to the bridge line to help it stand up.

Some spiders build a web with a ladder or funnel design to entice their prey. They then wrap their web around the insect and secure it in the web.

Other spiders, such as orb weavers, build webs using their sense of touch. They first construct a foundation of dragline silk, then they glue a catching spiral.