How Quickly Do Spiders Spin Silk?
WouterSpiders make webs to capture prey. They use silk to do so. They are able to create webs which are strong, flexible, and can even stick to tree protuberances. The webs can reach up to a few feet between trees. The silk used by spiders can also stretch about 30 percent longer than it was originally.
Most spiders use wind to spin their webs. The threads begin as liquid, but turn into solid silk after a while. Aside from trapping food, spiders also build elaborate webs to protect themselves. Some insects, such as honeybees, use silk to strengthen their wax cells.
One of the most impressive uses of spider silk is in its ability to immobilize prey. The sticky threads can hold an insect for a period of time before the spider snares it with its jaws. The venom injected into the prey also paralyzes it. This is a crucial function because it allows the spider to move faster when chasing its prey.
Spiders produce silk in specialized glands in their abdomen. These glands are responsible for producing a number of different types of silk. Most spiders produce four to five different types. The silk used to make a web can vary in thickness, color, and shape. Some types are translucent and others are low in UV reflection.
Generally, the first strand of silk is called the bridge thread. The second strand is called the guide spiral. The third strand is the adhesive spiral.
