How Do Spiders Retract Their Webs?

There are many different spiders in the world. Each one has its own unique set of features. They all produce silk. These fibers are five times stronger than steel, making spider webs very durable.

Some spiders build intricate, tunnel-like nests with their silk. Spiders also use it for transportation. Their legs are equipped with moveable claws.

Silk is produced by special glands. These glands secrete proteins, which are used to produce a thin, elastic fiber called silk. This silk is very strong, allowing spiders to walk across long distances. It is also elastic, preventing prey from rebounding off the web.

Most spiders have between two and eight spinnerets. Spinnerets are tipped with spigots, which control the diameter of the emerging thread.

Spiders have seven silk producing glands in their abdomen. The gel secreted by these glands is carried in silk glands, which are also tipped with spigots.

Silk is sticky and very elastic. It can be stretched up to four times its original length before breaking. Because the silk is so strong, it keeps prey fresh and prevents them from rebounding off the web.

Spiders also recycle used silk. By eating a used web, they can get the protein they need to produce new webs.

Spiders can produce silk all their lives. As they get older, their silk gets stronger. However, they cannot retract the silk back into the spinnerets.

The spider must exert external force to pull the silk out of the spinnerets. This happens when the spider’s muscles contract, causing the leg to retract into the body.