How Spiders Make Their Webs
WouterSpiders make webs for a variety of purposes. They use the silk to climb trees, wrap prey, and build smooth walls in their burrows. Some species even coat their web with pheromones to attract mates.
Spiders build webs by first forming a sticky thread. Then, they create a concentric circle of sticky and non-sticky threads. The spider then reinforces the strand if it crosses a gap. The resulting web is sturdy and capable of stretching 30-40% without breaking.
Spiders also recycle old silk for making new webs. This process is called ballooning. The spider will hang its spinnerets in the wind and pull the silk thread through. It will then lay new silk strand behind the balloon strand.
Spiders have glands on their abdomens that produce different types of threads. One gland produces the glue-like droplets that form the outer part of the sticky silk. Another gland produces the core fibres of the sticky silk.
Spiders have four or more spinnerets on their abdomens. These spinnerets can be tipped with spigots that control the diameter of the emerging thread. The spider then weaves the threads to make a web.
The most common types of web are sheet webs and funnel-shaped webs. These are slightly concave webs that are strung across the branches or foliage of trees. They are usually permanent.
The spider uses the sticky threads to trap insects and feed them. They also inject venom into the trapped prey to paralyze them and render them unconscious.
