How Many Types of Spider Silk Are There?

Spider silk is a fiber that is spun by spiders, and although seven types of silk can be made, no spider is able to make them all. The silk is actually a protein made from amino acids called glycine and alanine, and each particular type of silk is used for different purposes. Dragline and minor silk typically are a smoother texture and are used for building webs, and attachment silk is used as an anchor. Other types of spider silk are sticky and used for trapping prey. These include the viscid and glue-like silks. Wrapping silk is used to secure freshly capture prey, and cocoon silk is used by female spiders to create a safe area for their eggs or hatched offspring.

More about spider silk:

• Spider silk is often used to create fishing nets in the South Pacific.


• Some types of dragline silk are thought to be as strong as steel, and scientists have researched the use of an artificial version in bulletproof vests.


• It is estimated that about half of all spider species don’t use their silk to make webs and instead act as wanderers to catch their prey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many types of spider silk are there?

Spiders can produce up to seven different types of silk, each with unique properties and functions. These include silks for constructing webs, capturing prey, forming egg sacs, and even for dispersal through a process called ballooning. The diversity of silk types is a testament to the evolutionary adaptability of spiders.

What is the strongest type of spider silk?

Dragline silk, used for the outer rim and spokes of a spider's web, is renowned for its impressive strength and toughness. It's considered the strongest type of spider silk, with tensile strength comparable to that of high-grade steel. This silk type is also highly extensible, which contributes to its durability.

Can spider silk be used for bulletproof materials?

Yes, spider silk has potential applications in bulletproof materials. Its high tensile strength and elasticity make it an ideal candidate for creating lightweight, strong fabrics. Research has shown that spider silk can absorb significant amounts of energy, which is crucial for stopping bullets. However, large-scale production remains a challenge.

Is spider silk stronger than Kevlar?

Some spider silks have been found to be stronger than Kevlar in terms of tensile strength and elasticity. For instance, the dragline silk of the golden orb-weaver spider is known to be tougher and can absorb more energy before breaking than Kevlar, making it a subject of interest for materials science.

How do spiders use their different types of silk?

Spiders use their various silks for specific purposes: dragline silk for web structure and safety lines, sticky capture silk for trapping prey, swathing silk to immobilize captured prey, and fine silk for wrapping egg sacs. Some spiders also use a specialized silk for mating rituals or to create shelters.

Are humans able to artificially produce spider silk?

Humans have made significant progress in artificially producing spider silk through genetic engineering. By inserting spider silk genes into bacteria, yeast, or plants, scientists can produce silk proteins that can be spun into fibers. This biotechnological approach holds promise for sustainable production of high-strength materials.