Spider Web

spiders · nature engineering · insects

Silk from spinnerets. Spiders produce silk from special organs called spinnerets on their abdomen. This silk is thinner than human hair but incredibly strong, making it perfect for building webs.

Sticky and stretchy. Spider silk is coated with a special sticky substance that helps trap insects when they fly into the web. The silk itself is also stretchy, which helps cushion the impact of flying prey.

Clever trap design. Different types of spiders build different web shapes. Orb webs are round like bicycle wheels, while sheet webs look like flat blankets, and funnel webs guide insects into a narrow tube.

Recycled and rebuilt. Many spiders eat their old webs to get back the protein, then spin fresh ones to stay strong. Some spiders rebuild their webs every single night!

Perfect for hunting. A web catches and holds insects without the spider having to chase them. When an insect gets stuck, the spider feels the vibrations and rushes over for dinner.