Prior to researching spiders for the sake of these posts, I did not realize just how much available information you can find pertaining to them via the internet. Without sounding ignorant, or judgmental, I suppose I didn’t think spiders are as interesting as they are, but I am happy to report that I found more than enough information regarding spiders to share with all of you.
Again, this information comes from discoverwildlife.com.
“How do spiders make silk? Spider silk starts out in the silk glands as a watery gel of long protein chains, which is funnelled down a gradually tapering tube. As the tube narrows, coatings are applied to the mixture (to provide stickiness and water resistance, for example) before it emerges through tiny spigots (devices that control the flow of liquid) on the spider’s spinnerets. The gel solidifies only when stretched, so rather than being squeezed out like toothpaste, it is pulled out by a motor-like valve in each spigot. A battery of silk glands produces a wide array of fibres with different properties used for specific tasks – for instance, a dragline, snare, web support or egg case.
“Do all spiders build webs? Only 17 of Britain’s 37 families of spiders use webs to capture their prey. These webs come in many different forms – from the much-admired orb webs of garden spiders and their relatives, to the much less welcome tangle webs of daddy-long-legs spiders. Some types of webs are enduring structures – the often extensive funnel webs of large house spiders, for example, can last for years and accommodate a succession of different occupants. By contrast orb webs, produced by just four families of British spiders, are more fragile. Wind and rain damage their structure, while the gluey coating on the spiral thread that ensnares flying insects is rendered ineffective by pollen and dust. As a result the webs are often rebuilt every night – an operation requiring the manufacture of some 20 metres of silk,” the web page explains.
To avoid losing anyone’s interest, I’ll stop here, but I do recommend reading the entire article as it offers some insightful information about spiders and their fascinating intricacies.
Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash
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