How (and why) Spiders Make Webs | Inverts For Dummies | S1E2
Channel: A. B. S. E.
Date: 2021-10-08

How, and why, do spiders make webs? What is the use of their webs and silk? And how can they produce silk? In this episode of INVERTS FOR DUMMIES, these questions shall be explained to you!

We’ve seen spiderwebs atleast somewhere… as spiders live almost everywhere! Spiders aren’t insects, as they have 8 legs and 2 main body segments. Now, spiders have one unique feature- the ability to make webs!

But, how, and why, do they do this? 
Let’s cover HOW first. Spiderwebs, or ‘cobwebs’ are made of SILK. A spider has special silk-making organs inside its abdomen. These organs produce a sticky liquid protein, which is their silk. Silk goes outside their abdomens via special parts called SPINNERETS. Different spiders have different looking spinnerets, based on their lifestyle.

This brings us to WHY. What are the uses of spider silk? Why do they spin webs? Well, each type of spider has a differently designed web, which is based on their hunting behavior. 
Orb-weaver Spiders stay put in their webs, and trap prey in them. They sense vibrations on their sticky web to know if some food (that is mainly insects) has landed on it. 
Jumping spiders wander around, looking for prey (they have excellent vision). They don’t need sticky webs. They just build small silk retreats to hide in after hunting. 
And did you know spitting spiders can spit silk from their fangs?

Spiders don’t only use silk for webs. They make egg sacs with it, wrap up their prey in silk, and use a trail of silk, or a dragline, to prevent or soften the impact of falling, as can they hang from it.
That's pretty cool!!!

FULL SERIES PLAYLIST LINK: youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1bxqFokwOKGDziWU7U5v3hpHzfmYAUkD