How Does a Spiders Web Come From?
WouterOne of the most amazing structures you can find in the world is the spider web. It has several different purposes and serves as a catching platform for prey. Unlike other creatures, however, spiders build their webs.
Webs are made of silk, a substance that is stretched, stretchy, and sticky. Silk can be used to trap prey, or as a lining for a nest. Several species also coat the web with pheromones that attract mates. Spiders can produce seven different types of silk.
Orb-weavers are one group of spiders that can make their webs out of sticky and non-sticky silk. They use their sense of touch to spin their webs. These spiders have eight eyes and six spinnerets. The spinnerets act as external extensions to the silk glands.
In orb-weaver webs, the sticky and non-sticky silk is applied on top of the dragline silk. Usually, the sticky silk forms the outer layer of the web. This allows the spider to capture and immobilize its prey.
After the sticky silk is woven into the web, the spider anchors the threads to a leaf or other object. The spider then chews the first three center spiral threads. This gives the web a rounded shape. If the spider catches more food, it may add more to the web.
Despite the complexity of the web, the building process is quite easy. In fact, the process is so simple that you can actually hack it from inside!
