How do spiders spin webs?
Quick Answer
Spiders spin webs by producing liquid silk from glands in their abdomen and drawing it out through nozzles called spinnerets, where it hardens into thread.
The Full Story
A spider makes silk as a liquid protein inside special glands in its abdomen. It forces the liquid out through fingerlike organs called spinnerets, and as the silk is drawn out and stretched it solidifies into an incredibly strong, flexible thread. Different glands make different kinds of silk, including sticky strands for catching prey and stronger, non-sticky lines for the web frame and safety lines. An orb-weaving spider first builds a frame and spokes, then lays down a spiral of sticky silk to trap insects. Spider silk is remarkably strong for its weight, stronger than steel of the same thickness.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"How Spiders Weave Their Webs"