How Do Spiders Run Out of Silk?
WouterSpiders make webs to catch their prey. They use silk to wrap, snare, and trap insects. Some spiders also use silk to build homes. A few orb-weaving spiders even decorate their houses with silk. They also recycle used silk to create new silk.
Scientists have long wondered how spiders produce the liquid silk that forms their webs. Eventually they discovered that the process involves pulling on the thread. They have also been able to extract the silk, but there are still many mysteries to be solved.
Spiders’ ability to spin webs has been attributed to their ability to detect and respond to vibrations. In fact, one species uses silk to hold an underwater air supply. They also have a mechanism for detecting and reacting to the movement of their prey.
Some spiders can actually produce silk from protein. They have seven silk-producing glands in their abdomen. These glands secrete proteins into the silk-making fluid.
Once the proteins reach the back end of the spider, they are extruded through spinnerets. A motor-like valve in each spigot pulls the silk out. This makes spider silk stronger and more flexible than ordinary silk.
Another reason that spiders may have a knack for spinning silk is because they are nocturnal. They are more active at night, and they tend to spend more time catching and hunting.
When they are not making webs, spiders are often spotted eating their own silk. They may take the opportunity to gorge on the proteins or amino acids from the silk they’ve used.
