Spiders do not stick to their own web thanks to special hairs on their legs that prevent the web threads from adhering to their surface.
Spider silk is mainly composed of particular proteins called fibroins. These proteins form molecular chains that combine very strong regions with more elastic regions. This combination gives a web that is both strong and sticky. Spiders also produce different types of silk, some of which are particularly adhesive due to the presence of natural glue rich in glycoprotein compounds. It is precisely this precise and subtle chemical mix that makes the web capable of catching prey without trapping its creator.
Spiders have an ingenious technique to avoid getting stuck to their own web: self-lubrication. Their legs produce a slightly oily substance that forms a protective layer, significantly reducing adhesion. This layer acts as a natural non-stick coating. Because of this, the sticky threads cannot trap their own creators, allowing spiders to move freely without the risk of ending up ensnared.
The legs of spiders are covered with small sensory hairs specially adapted to interact with their webs without sticking to them. These tiny hairs reduce the surface area of contact between the legs and the sticky threads, thereby limiting their adherence to the sticky strands. Some of these hairs have a particular structure or coating, such as tiny spikes or microscopic bumps, which further decreases the chances of sticking. Essentially, spiders have hairy legs perfectly positioned to avoid the traps of their own making.
Spiders avoid getting stuck to their webs by adopting precise and methodical movements. They know exactly which threads are sticky and which are not, and they only place their legs on the dry threads known as supporting. Thanks to their spatial memory, they often follow defined, safe, and efficient routes, avoiding wandering randomly through their own traps. It’s like a well-calculated dance, with confident yet delicate gestures, where the slightest mistake could quickly complicate their evening.
The spider web skillfully combines several types of threads. Some radial threads, called radii, are strong, dry, and non-sticky to allow the spider to move around freely. Between these radii, it then stretches spiral threads, much finer and more viscous, specifically designed to trap insects. The spider perfectly memorizes the position of each sticky and non-sticky area to avoid getting caught in its own trap. Only the sticky threads capture prey, while the dry threads serve the overall structure and movement. The organization into radii and spirals also provides an optimal distribution of tensions to make the web strong while maintaining its elasticity.
Spider silk fibers have a higher tensile strength than steel of the same diameter, while remaining incredibly lightweight and flexible!
Each type of silk produced by a spider serves a specific function: hunting, egg wrapping, movement, or even nest protection.
Spiders can detect minute vibrations in their webs, allowing them to precisely determine whether what is trapped is a potential prey or just a drop of water.
Some species of spiders, like jumping spiders, do not need webs to catch their prey. They rely solely on their remarkable vision and precise jumps.
Spiders use various signals to recognize their own species or avoid other arachnid predators. Some species vibrate their webs in a distinct manner or modify their behavior to avoid traps set by their peers.
Yes, spider silk is extremely strong relative to its very fine diameter. Proportionately, it is stronger than steel and more flexible than nylon, allowing it to effectively trap prey without breaking.
Spiders frequently abandon their old webs to build new ones. The old web may have lost its elasticity or become too damaged to effectively catch insects.
Absolutely, webs play an essential role in ecological balance by reducing populations of harmful insects, thereby helping to naturally regulate various ecosystems.
No, some spiders do not produce sticky webs. There are many species of spiders that use other tactics to hunt, such as ambushing, pursuit, or direct capture without a web.
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